The events of May 31, 2014, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, brought a chilling story to light, involving two twelve-year-old girls and a friend. This particular day marked a truly shocking incident where a young person was hurt very badly. It was a situation that, you know, left many people trying to make sense of what had occurred, and the details that emerged were, in a way, quite difficult to take in for anyone who heard about them.
The core of this unsettling event involved Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, both just twelve years old at the time. They were said to have lured their friend, Payton Leutner, to a park following a sleepover. This act, as information later showed, was tied to a belief in a fictional character known as Slender Man. It's almost hard to grasp how such a young age could be connected to something so serious, but the facts, as they came out, painted a clear picture of what happened that day.
Payton Leutner, the person who was attacked, somehow managed to survive the nineteen stab wounds she received. This survival, very honestly, was a testament to her strength and the quick help she got. The incident itself, with its very young participants and the unusual motive, caught a lot of attention, and people wanted to know more about the girls involved and the path they took after that day. This piece will explore the facts of the case and the subsequent developments concerning Morgan Geyser, based on the records available.
Table of Contents
- A Glimpse into the Past- Who is Morgan Geyser?
- What Happened on May 31, 2014, with Morgan Geyser?
- The Aftermath- What Was Morgan Geyser's Mental State?
- Where is Morgan Geyser Now?
- What Does the Future Hold for Morgan Geyser?
- Morgan Geyser's Legal Path and Public Appearance
- Morgan Geyser's Apology and Sentencing
- The Conditional Release Plan for Morgan Geyser
A Glimpse into the Past- Who is Morgan Geyser?
Morgan Geyser became a name associated with a very serious incident that happened when she was just a young girl. Born on May 16, 2002, she was, in fact, only twelve years old when the events of May 2014 took place. Her involvement in such a shocking event at such a tender age made many people wonder about her background and what could have led to such a situation. It's a story that, you know, really highlights the complexities that can arise even with very young individuals.
Her role in the incident was, in a way, central. Alongside Anissa Weier, she was one of the two girls who carried out the attack on their classmate. The records show that she was the one who, basically, did the stabbing. This fact, of course, is a very hard detail to consider, especially given her age at the time. Her name has been in the public conversation for years since, as the legal process unfolded and as her situation continued to be reviewed.
As time has gone on, Morgan Geyser has aged, and she is set to turn twenty-two next month, which is, in some respects, a significant passage of time since the incident. Her life since 2014 has been largely shaped by the legal and medical decisions made concerning her well-being and the safety of others. She has spent a considerable amount of time in a mental health facility, which was a key part of the outcome of her case. So, her personal story is very much tied to the events of that day and the consequences that followed.
Personal Details of Morgan Geyser
| Full Name | Morgan E. Geyser |
| Date of Birth | May 16, 2002 |
| Age at Incident (2014) | 12 years old |
| Current Age (as of next month) | 22 years old |
| Involvement in Incident | One of two individuals who attacked Payton Leutner |
| Legal Status | Committed to a mental health institution |
What Happened on May 31, 2014, with Morgan Geyser?
On that fateful day, May 31, 2014, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, a plan was put into action by two twelve-year-old girls, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier. They had, as the records show, invited their friend, Payton Leutner, to a sleepover. The innocent setting of a sleepover, you know, makes the events that followed even more jarring. It was after this sleepover that they led Payton to a park, which was where the terrible act took place. The details that came out about how this all happened are, in a way, very stark.
The motive behind their actions was, as stated in the information, a belief that hurting their friend would please a fictional online character known as Slender Man. This creature, a mythical horror figure, was apparently a very real influence in their young minds. Morgan Geyser, in particular, was described as leading her friend to carry out the attack in the woods, with this specific goal in mind. It's really quite difficult to wrap one's head around such a belief driving such a serious act.
During the attack, Morgan Geyser, as the details indicate, stabbed Payton Leutner a total of nineteen times. This was, basically, a very brutal and sustained assault. Payton Leutner, despite the severity of her injuries, somehow managed to survive the ordeal. Her survival, in fact, was quite remarkable given the number of wounds she sustained. The incident shocked the local community and, indeed, people far beyond, raising many questions about what could cause children to commit such an act.
The Aftermath- What Was Morgan Geyser's Mental State?
Following the harrowing events of May 2014, questions quickly arose about Morgan Geyser's mental condition. The nature of the attack, particularly the motive tied to a fictional character, suggested that there might be underlying issues. As the legal process moved forward, her mental state became a very central point of discussion. It was, in a way, crucial to understanding how such a young person could have been involved in something so terrible. So, a thorough look at her mental health was, naturally, a key part of the case.
Eventually, Morgan Geyser was found to be "not guilty due to mental disease or defect" in connection with the stabbing. This finding meant that, while she had committed the act, her mental health at the time was such that she was not held criminally responsible in the traditional sense. This outcome led to her commitment to a mental health facility, rather than a prison. She was sent to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in 2018, which was, basically, a direct result of this legal determination about her state of mind.
Since her commitment, Morgan Geyser has remained at the mental institution for treatment. This ongoing treatment is, you know, meant to address the mental health challenges she faces. Her commitment has been reviewed periodically by judges, who have continued to rule that she should stay at the facility. This continued commitment suggests that, in some respects, her treatment is still considered necessary. The focus has been on her receiving appropriate care for her condition, which is, honestly, a very important part of her story after the incident.
Where is Morgan Geyser Now?
As of recent rulings, Morgan Geyser remains at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, where she has been receiving treatment since 2018. A judge ruled, as a matter of fact, that she will continue to stay there. This means she has spent nearly seven years within the facility's care. Her presence there is not a punishment in the typical sense, but rather a commitment for treatment, which is, in a way, a key distinction in her case. She has been appearing in court for motion hearings, as recently as April 2024 and January 2025, which indicates an ongoing review of her situation.
These court appearances, such as the one in Waukesha County courtroom, are part of the legal process that oversees her commitment. They allow for updates on her condition and for decisions to be made about her future. The fact that she is still at the institution suggests that, in some respects, the professionals involved believe she still requires the structured environment and care provided there. It’s a very specific kind of setting, different from a standard correctional facility, because the focus is on her mental well-being and stability.
Morgan Geyser is set to turn twenty-two next month, marking a significant passage of time since the incident when she was twelve. Her life, for the most part, has been lived within the confines of this mental health facility since her commitment. The rulings have consistently upheld the need for her to remain there for continued treatment. So, her current location is very much tied to the legal and medical findings that came out of the 2014 event, and that, is that, her situation continues to be managed under those terms.
What Does the Future Hold for Morgan Geyser?
The future for Morgan Geyser, like anyone committed to a mental health facility, involves periodic reviews and decisions about her ongoing care and potential for release. A judge, for example, recently denied the state's opposition to her conditional release plan. This means that, in some respects, there is a plan in place for her to eventually move towards a more open setting, though it is conditional. It's not a full release, but rather a structured step that, in a way, allows for her progress to be monitored outside the institution's full confinement.
Her attorney, Anthony Cotton, has been involved in these motion hearings, looking over paperwork and advocating for her. The discussions around her conditional release plan indicate that there is a path being considered for her, even if it is a slow and carefully managed one. This process involves assessing her mental stability, her progress in treatment, and whether she can safely integrate into a less restrictive environment. It’s a very careful balancing act, basically, between her needs and public safety.
While she remains committed for treatment, the very existence of a conditional release plan suggests that there is a long-term outlook for her situation. The precise timing and details of such a release would depend on many factors, including her continued progress and legal rulings. For now, she continues to receive treatment at the mental health institute, with her future path being gradually shaped by ongoing evaluations and court decisions. It's a situation that, you know, is constantly being evaluated, and that, is that, the focus is on a structured progression.
Morgan Geyser's Legal Path and Public Appearance
Morgan Geyser's journey through the legal system has been a complex one, marked by her young age at the time of the incident and the specific nature of her defense. From the moment the attack became known, the legal process began to unfold, aiming to understand what happened and what should be done. Her appearances in court have been documented, providing glimpses into her presence during these proceedings. It's a path that, in a way, has been very public, despite her young age at the start.
The initial stages involved investigations and then charges related to the stabbing of Payton Leutner. Given the circumstances, particularly the motive involving a fictional character and the ages of those involved, the case garnered a lot of attention. The legal system had to grapple with how to handle such a situation, especially when dealing with individuals who were, basically, children. Her legal path was, in fact, quite different from what one might expect for an adult, due to the mental health aspects that came to light.
Throughout the years, Morgan Geyser has appeared in a Waukesha County courtroom for various hearings. These appearances, like the one captured by an AP photo in January 2025, show her presence as her case continues to be reviewed. These are not trials in the traditional sense, but rather motion hearings and reviews of her commitment. Her legal journey has been about determining her responsibility, her mental state, and then, basically, establishing the most appropriate course of action for her well-being and for public safety. It's a very long process, as a matter of fact.
Morgan Geyser's Apology and Sentencing
Before her sentencing, Morgan Geyser offered an apology in court. This moment, captured in a brief clip, was a significant part of the legal proceedings. An apology in such a serious case is, in a way, a very important step, showing some acknowledgment of the harm caused. It's a public expression that, you know, comes at a critical juncture in the legal process, just before a decision is made about what will happen next. So, her words at that time were, naturally, weighed by those present.
The sentencing itself was not a typical criminal sentence of imprisonment. Instead, due to the finding of "not guilty due to mental disease or defect," Morgan Geyser was committed to a mental health institution. This commitment meant she would receive treatment for her mental health condition, rather than being sent to a correctional facility. She was sent to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in 2018, which was, basically, the direct outcome of that sentencing. This was a very different kind of resolution than many might have expected, focusing on care rather than punishment.
This commitment for treatment has been her reality since 2018. The decision was made to prioritize her mental health needs, given the findings about her state of mind at the time of the incident. Her apology before this outcome was, in some respects, a moment where she addressed the severity of her actions, even as the legal system determined that her mental state required a specific kind of intervention. It’s a complex part of her story, where accountability met with a need for specialized care, and that, is that, the legal system made a particular choice.
The Conditional Release Plan for Morgan Geyser
A key aspect of Morgan Geyser's ongoing situation involves her conditional release plan. This plan, basically, outlines the steps and conditions under which she might eventually transition from the mental health institution to a less restrictive environment. The state, as the information suggests, had opposed this plan, but a judge denied their opposition. This means that, in some respects, the conditional release plan will continue to be a part of her future. It's not a full release, but a structured pathway that allows for careful monitoring.
Such a plan typically involves a series of very specific requirements that Morgan Geyser would need to meet, along with continued supervision and treatment. The purpose is to ensure that any move out of the institution is done safely, for both her and the community. It’s a gradual process that, you know, assesses her readiness and stability over time. The fact that a judge upheld the continuation of this plan indicates that there is a recognized process for her potential eventual transition, even if it is a very cautious one.
The conditional release plan is a testament to the legal system's approach to cases involving mental disease or defect, aiming for rehabilitation and safe reintegration where possible. It means that while Morgan Geyser remains committed for treatment, there is a framework for her long-term future that involves steps towards a different living situation, under strict conditions. This ongoing discussion about her plan is a significant part of her current legal and medical status, and it’s something that, in a way, will continue to be evaluated very carefully.
This article has covered the shocking events of May 2014 involving Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, the attack on Payton Leutner, and the belief in Slender Man. It also looked at Morgan Geyser's mental state, the legal finding of "not guilty due to mental disease or defect," and her subsequent commitment to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in 2018. The article touched on her current status at the facility, her age, and her ongoing court appearances. Finally, it discussed her apology before sentencing and the details surrounding her conditional release plan.
