News Summary
A Waukesha County judge has approved conditional release for Morgan Geyser, a key figure in the Slender Man stabbing case. Geyser’s mental health has shown significant improvement, with doctors testifying he poses no danger to himself or society. The conditional release plan includes supervision and continued treatment in a group home. This decision reflects Geyser’s progress since the attack on Payton Leutner in 2014. Ongoing legal reviews will monitor the transition as Geyser seeks reintegration.
Wisconsin Judge Approves Morgan Geyser’s Conditional Release
In a significant decision, a Waukesha County judge has ruled in favor of conditional release for Morgan Geyser, who was involved in the shocking Slender Man stabbing case more than a decade ago. On March 6, Judge Michael Bohren determined that the state’s efforts to prevent Geyser’s release were misguided, affirming a previous ruling made back in January.
Understanding the Background
For those who might not remember, Geyser, alongside another individual, was convicted for their roles in the near-fatal attack on Payton Leutner in 2014. In a chilling attempt to appease the fictional character Slender Man, Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times. Thankfully, Leutner managed to crawl out of the woods to seek help, earning her the title of a true survivor.
Progress Made Over the Years
Geyser, who now identifies as a transgender man, has been seeking a chance at conditional release for two years, having faced both unsuccessful petitions and a few withdrawals along the way. Over the past year, mental health assessments conducted by a team of doctors showed remarkable improvements in Geyser’s condition. They testified in court that he is no longer deemed a danger to both himself and society.
Changes in Mental Health Status
It’s crucial to note that Geyser has been off anti-psychotic medications for several years and is no longer experiencing the distressing symptoms of hearing voices. This positive change has prompted doctors to reevaluate his mental health, noting considerable progress since his time in treatment.
New Diagnosis on the Horizon
In May 2024, Geyser received an additional diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Encouragingly, this diagnosis has been characterized by health professionals as not having a negative impact on his recovery. Instead, it seems to be just another chapter in the story of Geyser’s ongoing journey toward mental wellness.
Conditional Release Plan
As part of the plan for Geyser’s conditional release, it has been designed with specific supervision in mind. He will be transitioning to a group home where he will continue to undergo treatment. The structure of this release plan seems to balance the need for personal healing and societal safety, illustrating significant progress in Geyser’s rehabilitation.
Controversies Shaping the Release Debate
The state expressed concerns regarding certain aspects of Geyser’s behavior that brought about discussions surrounding his release. This included scrutiny over the graphic content of some books he was reading and communications with a man known for collecting murder memorabilia. However, Geyser’s attorney confidently defended him stating that the treatment team was fully aware of these interests, and that he has consistently adhered to all facility rules.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Looking ahead, Geyser is expected to attend a court hearing on March 21, which will serve as a review of his release plan. Following that, another review is scheduled for April 28. This ongoing oversight helps ensure that all angles are taken into consideration regarding Geyser’s reintegration into society.
Meanwhile, Another Case to Consider
It’s worth noting that Anissa Weier, the other participant in the Slender Man incident, was released in 2021. She is currently living with her father under GPS monitoring after also pleading guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide. The parallel cases highlight the differing paths for those involved in such a serious and publicized crime.
As this unfolding story continues to develop, the spotlight remains on the journey of healing and reintegration for individuals who have found themselves at the crossroads of justice and mental health.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News: Morgan Geyser Granted Release
- Wikipedia: Slender Man Stabbing
- Fox6Now: Morgan Geyser Hearing
- Google Search: Slender Man Stabbing
- TMJ4: Judge Approves Morgan Geyser’s Conditional Release
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Slender Man
- Crime Online: Judge Denies State’s Move
- Google News: Morgan Geyser Release
- People: Morgan Geyser Won’t Be Free Yet
