UPDATE: Morgan Geyser, the convicted assailant in the notorious Slender Man stabbing case, has been arrested in Posen, Illinois, after fleeing from a group home. The arrest occurred just before 10:00 PM on Sunday night, marking the end of a multi-state manhunt.
Geyser, who in 2014 stabbed her friend, Payton Leutner, 19 times to appease the fictional character “Slender Man,” was apprehended at a Thornton’s Truck Stop after allegedly cutting off her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet. Authorities report that Geyser was found unharmed and accompanied by a 42-year-old man with whom she allegedly has a relationship.
Authorities confirmed that Geyser was last seen in Madison, Wisconsin, around 8:00 PM on Saturday. Posen police were notified of her disappearance on Sunday morning. A surveillance image of Geyser was shared on social media, prompting public awareness and concern.
Shortly after their apprehension, the man accompanying Geyser was charged with criminal trespassing and obstructing identification but has since been released. Meanwhile, Geyser will be held until her transfer to Cook County Jail for an extradition hearing.
Geyser’s mother, Angie Geyser, issued a heartfelt plea earlier that day, urging, “If you see Morgan, please call the police. Morgan, if you can see this, we love you and just want to know you are safe.”
In March, a judge ordered Geyser’s release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute to a group home, based on testimony from three psychologists. Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, has since advised her to turn herself in, stressing it would be “in her best interest.”
The Slender Man stabbing case gained national attention when Geyser and another girl, Anissa Weier, lured their friend into the woods, where Geyser inflicted life-threatening injuries. Leutner survived the attack, which shocked the nation and raised significant discussions about mental health and the influence of internet culture.
Payton Leutner and her family are reportedly aware of Geyser’s recent situation and are cooperating with law enforcement to ensure their safety. A spokesperson for the Leutner family expressed gratitude towards the law enforcement agencies involved in Geyser’s capture.
This latest development raises questions about the effectiveness of Geyser’s supervised release and the ongoing discourse surrounding mental health treatment for young offenders.
As the story unfolds, authorities and the public remain vigilant, watching closely for further updates on Geyser’s legal proceedings.
