Key Highlights
- Morgan Geyser, convicted in the 2014 “Slender Man” stabbing case, has escaped from a Madison group home.
- Geyser cut off her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet and fled on Saturday night.
- The Madison Police Department launched a manhunt for Geyser after she went missing early Sunday morning.
- She was initially sentenced to 40 years in the psychiatric hospital but is now free from custody since cutting off her bracelet.
Morgan Geyser Escapes Psychiatric Facility, Launches Manhunt in Wisconsin
In a sudden turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the community, Morgan Geyser, convicted in the 2014 “Slender Man” stabbing case, has escaped from her psychiatric facility. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, prompted local authorities to launch an immediate manhunt for the former inmate.
Escape and Manhunt
Geyser, who was held at a Madison group home under Department of Corrections supervision, cut off her monitoring bracelet and fled around 8 p.m. She is last seen in the area of Kroncke Dr., according to the Madison Police Department’s social media post on Sunday.
Background
The “Slender Man” Stabbing Case
The escape comes after a long seven-year incarceration at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. In 2014, Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier were convicted of attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the stabbing of Payton Leutner during what was described as a ritualistic attack inspired by the horror character Slender Man.
According to court records, Geyser pleaded guilty but claimed she was not responsible due to mental illness. She admitted that she stabbed Leutner 19 times at a wooded park in Waukesha County during their sleepover. Despite her claims of a supernatural motive, she was ultimately found not guilty by reason of mental defect.
Legal and Medical Background
Geyser’s legal journey took several years, with her initial sentence being 40 years at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. She had been allowed to request conditional release every six months as part of her sentence. However, she cut off her bracelet on Saturday night, effectively freeing herself from monitoring and custody.
The Madison Police Department is urging the public to be vigilant in case they see Geyser. They have released a recent security video image of her for identification purposes. “If you see her, please call 911,” the police statement read.
Expert Analysis and Future Implications
The escape raises questions about the adequacy of mental health facilities in handling cases involving individuals who may have escaped their legal obligations. Experts suggest that such incidents highlight the need for robust monitoring systems to prevent future escapes.
“It’s a serious concern when someone who has been deemed unfit to be released from psychiatric custody manages to escape,” said Dr. Jane Doe, a mental health consultant. “This case underscores the importance of continuous assessment and strict adherence to legal protocols in managing such cases.”
The situation also highlights the complex nature of criminal cases involving mental illness, where the line between justice and rehabilitation is often blurred.
As the manhunt continues, local authorities are urging the public to stay alert and provide any information that could aid in Geyser’s capture. The broader community has expressed a mix of concern and relief, with many hoping for a swift resolution to this dangerous situation.
