A judge in Wisconsin has ruled that Morgan Geyser, a young woman involved in a notorious 2014 stabbing case, can move forward with her conditional release from a mental health facility. This decision comes despite concerns raised by state officials regarding her behavior, which they claim still shows “red flags.”
Geyser, now 22, was previously convicted of attempting to kill her classmate, Payton Leutner, in an incident where she cited the fictional horror character Slender Man as her motivation. The attack, which occurred when Geyser was just 12 years old, saw Payton being stabbed 19 times. Remarkably, she survived the brutal assault.
The ruling from Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren has sparked a debate about the adequacy of the mental health treatment Geyser has received during her seven years in custody at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Following her conviction on charges of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, she was committed to the facility and could request to be considered for release every six months.
This latest decision has drawn criticism, especially from prosecutors who have raised concerns about Geyser’s ongoing relationship with a man who collects murder memorabilia. They argue that this connection, along with her interest in violent literature, signals that she may not be ready to re-enter society. For instance, they highlighted a specific book titled “Rent Boy,” which includes themes of murder and organ trafficking.
In court, Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, disputed these claims and asserted that Geyser is not more dangerous now than she was when she first entered the facility. He pointed out that the mental health center was aware of her visitor’s relationship and maintained that Geyser only read approved books. Cotton maintained that she had distanced herself from the memorabilia collector after realizing he was profiting from items she had sent him.
The judge was also presented with conflicting expert opinions during the hearings. Dr. Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry, emphasized that while individuals may show interest in violent topics out of curiosity, such interests do not necessarily lead to harmful behavior. She noted that many people enjoy horror movies and literature without acting on those impulses.
However, Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie argued that Geyser’s actions still pose a threat, claiming that her behavior reflects a troubling mindset. The state requested the judge to reconsider his earlier decision to allow her release based on these points.
While the court weighed these arguments, it’s important to recognize the complexities involved in mental health evaluations, especially for individuals who have committed severe crimes at a young age. Geyser’s case is particularly unusual, raising ethical questions about juvenile offenses and rehabilitation. Many agree it’s shocking to think of a twelve-year-old being held in a psychiatric facility for potentially life, yet the impact on the victim cannot be overlooked. The trauma endured by Leutner and her recovery journey must remain a central part of the discussion.
Overall, this case illustrates the ongoing tension between public safety and the principles of rehabilitation for young offenders. Geyser’s eventual release could send a message about the justice system’s approach to mental health issues and juvenile crime — one that needs careful consideration as these cases emerge in the public sphere.
Geyser’s next court appearance is expected to take place on April 28, where further assessments of her release conditions will be discussed. The implications of these decisions will likely have lasting effects on all parties involved, particularly as society continues to grapple with how to balance understanding, compassion, and accountability in cases of juvenile crime.
