‘Slender Man’ Stabbing Suspect Arrested After Fleeing Group Home

‘Slender Man’ Stabbing Suspect Arrested After Fleeing Group Home

Woman Found in Illinois After Cutting Off Monitoring Device

A Wisconsin woman once at the center of the infamous “Slender Man” stabbing case was taken into custody Sunday night after fleeing a supervised group home by removing her electronic monitoring device. Police located 23-year-old Morgan Geyser at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, following a multi-state search spanning more than 150 miles from the Madison area.

Authorities say Geyser had been living in a group home in Madison under supervision after being conditionally released from a long-term psychiatric treatment facility earlier in 2025. She allegedly cut off her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet Saturday evening, prompting law enforcement to issue an alert for her whereabouts. Surveillance efforts and coordination between Wisconsin and Illinois police culminated in her arrest without incident late Sunday.

Geyser was found in the company of another adult, identified in statements as a 43-year-old individual she had traveled with. Both were taken into custody at the truck stop, where police say the duo had used public transportation to travel across state lines. Initial reports indicate that both subjects gave false names when first questioned by officers but were later identified.

Background of the 2014 Stabbing Case

The original case dates back to May 31, 2014, when then-12-year-old Morgan Geyser and a friend, Anissa Weier, lured their sixth-grade classmate Payton Leutner to a wooded area near Waukesha, Wisconsin. Once there, Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times with a kitchen knife. Investigators later determined that the attack was motivated by a shared belief in the fictional internet character “Slender Man,” a tall, faceless figure born from online lore and creepypasta stories.

Leutner survived the attack despite severe injuries and was discovered by a bicyclist who summoned emergency help. She underwent life-saving surgeries and eventually recovered from her physical wounds, while also later speaking publicly about her experience and advocacy for victims of violent crime.

Geyser and Weier pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, and both were committed to mental health facilities rather than traditional prison sentences because of their ages and psychiatric evaluations. Geyser was ordered to spend up to 40 years in institutional care, while Weier’s term was set at a maximum of 25 years.

Supervised Release and Escape

Earlier in 2025, a Wisconsin judge granted Geyser conditional release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, where she had been housed for several years. She was transitioned to a group home as part of her ongoing supervised treatment plan. This step was taken after experts testified that she had made measurable progress in her care, though state officials had raised concerns about certain behaviors, including reading material and communication patterns.

The escape unfolded when Geyser allegedly removed her electronic monitor around 8 p.m. Saturday. Police were not notified until nearly 12 hours later by group home staff, according to law enforcement agencies involved in the case. A coordinated search followed, including release of recent images and alerts sent to area agencies.

Once taken into custody in Illinois, Geyser was transported into law enforcement custody. Officials confirmed that no further danger was posed to the public at the time of her arrest. The companion found with her was cited on charges related to criminal trespassing and obstructing identification but was released on citation with a scheduled court appearance.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Following her arrest, Wisconsin authorities filed paperwork to revoke Geyser’s supervised release privileges and return her to a secure institutional setting. This petition was granted by a state judge, and Geyser will be transferred back to a mental health facility pending further hearings. Her attorney reportedly did not contest the revocation at the recent hearing.

Court officials have not yet released the date for Geyser’s next scheduled appearance in Wisconsin, but authorities say additional charges related to her escape and interstate travel without supervision could be added.

Impact and Public Reaction

The case has continued to draw national attention due to its origins involving the “Slender Man” internet phenomenon and its long-term psychological and legal implications. Mental health experts have noted that the case highlights challenges in managing individuals released from institutional treatment who may still require extensive supervision.

Victim advocacy groups have also reiterated calls for better support systems for survivors of violent crime and their families, especially in cases involving young perpetrators and complex psychiatric histories.