Slender Man stabbing case
Does Morgan Geyser still pose a significant risk to society?
According to the court ruling, Morgan Geyser no longer poses a significant risk to society. The judge stated, "Morgan does not pose a significant risk of bodily harm to herself or others." Despite the seriousness of her past crime, experts noted she has had multiple successful opportunities to be in the community. Morgan has shown growth and rehabilitation since the 2014 Slenderman stabbing incident, with aspirations to become a librarian and continue her writing. Her attorney believes she has demonstrated genuine remorse for her actions, though the victim's family remains concerned about her potential release.
Watch clip answer (01:27m)
ABC News
10:37 - 12:05
What was Morgan Geyser's psychological state when she committed the crime related to Slender Man?
Morgan Geyser wasn't deviously planning the crime but rather experienced a profound psychological delusion where she felt controlled by the fictional character Slender Man. According to testimony, she believed she had no choice but to obey Slender Man's commands. This perspective suggests Morgan was experiencing serious mental health issues at the time of the incident, with her actions driven by psychosis rather than calculated malice. The case highlights how untreated mental illness in youth can manifest in tragic ways, especially when influenced by internet phenomena.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
ABC News
04:18 - 04:29
What motivated the Slender Man attack and what is happening with one of the perpetrators now?
The attack was motivated by the perpetrators' desire to impress a fictional online character known as Slenderman. According to the transcript, the victim's own friends were responsible for the brutal attack, shocking investigators and the public alike with their disturbing motivation. One of those responsible for the attack, now 22 years old, has recently been granted the chance for release from a Mental Hospital where she had been receiving treatment. This development marks a significant turning point in this chilling case that explored the intersection of adolescent psychology, internet influence, and violent behavior.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
ABC News
02:30 - 02:44
What was the Slender Man stabbing case about?
The Slender Man stabbing case involved two 12-year-old girls, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, who lured their friend Peyton Lightner into the woods and stabbed her 19 times in 2014. They committed this brutal attack to impress a fictional online character named Slenderman. The victim miraculously survived despite the severity of her injuries. Both attackers were confined to a mental health institute, with Anissa later granted supervised release after nearly four years. Morgan, now 22, recently appeared in court seeking release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute where she has been held for about a decade.
Watch clip answer (01:46m)ABC News
02:25 - 04:11
Is Morgan Geyser still a risk to society after her Slenderman-related crime?
The clip explores whether Morgan Geyser, who committed a crime as a 12-year-old influenced by mental illness and the fictional Slenderman character, is truly reformed or still poses a danger. The court is evaluating her potential release from a mental health institution where she was committed after being found not guilty by reason of mental defect. The focus isn't on whether Morgan will eventually be released, but rather on assessing if the now-adult Morgan behind expressions of remorse is genuinely rehabilitated. The case raises important questions about public safety concerns balanced against mental health considerations in the justice system.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)ABC News
04:55 - 05:14
How did the survivor of the Slender Man stabbing respond to the traumatic experience?
The survivor of the Slender Man stabbing, who was stabbed 19 times at age 12 by her friends, chose to move forward without dwelling on resentment. When asked about her feelings toward her attackers, she expressed that while she initially thought about it, she ultimately decided that holding onto negative emotions would 'get me nowhere.' She adopted the philosophy that 'it's easier to live without regrets,' demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of this horrific crime. The attack was particularly disturbing as it was motivated by the perpetrators' desire to please a fictional online character known as Slender Man, highlighting the dangerous influence of internet mythology on impressionable young minds.
Watch clip answer (00:23m)
ABC News
00:15 - 00:38