Waukesha, WI — Morgan Geyser, one of the two girls convicted in the infamous 2014 Slender Man stabbing, has been granted conditional release from a Wisconsin mental health facility, marking a significant development in the decade-old case that shocked the nation.

On Thursday, Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren signed the order for Geyser’s supervised release. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has been tasked with developing a detailed plan for her transition within the next 60 days. Until the plan is finalized, Geyser will remain at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute before moving to a group home under supervision.

Geyser, now 22, was only 12 when she and her friend, Anissa Weier, lured their classmate Payton Leutner into the woods and stabbed her 19 times in a disturbing attempt to appease the fictional internet character Slender Man. Leutner miraculously survived the brutal attack, despite sustaining life-threatening injuries.

Both Geyser and Weier were charged in adult court with first-degree attempted intentional homicide. Geyser was found guilty but was declared not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and sentenced to up to 40 years in a psychiatric facility. Weier, who pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, was sentenced to up to 25 years but was granted supervised release in 2021 at the age of 19.

The decision to release Geyser comes after testimonies from three psychologists who have closely monitored her progress. Dr. Brooke Lundbohm, testifying via Zoom, supported Geyser’s petition for release, stating, “I don’t think she currently poses a significant risk of substantial harm to herself, others, or to property damage.”

Lundbohm noted Geyser’s marked improvement in mental health since a suicide attempt in 2021. Although Geyser still struggles with self-criticism and low self-esteem, she has been described as bright and articulate. Psychologist Kenneth Robbins echoed these sentiments, highlighting Geyser’s aspirations to become a librarian and eventually a therapist for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Robbins confirmed that Geyser, once diagnosed with schizophrenia, has not shown psychotic symptoms in over two years and has been successfully weaned off antipsychotic medications. However, she continues to manage post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and autism.

Dr. Deborah Collins also testified, affirming that Geyser understands the conditions of her release, including residing in a group home and wearing an ankle monitor. Collins stated, “She recognizes that she would be subject to a whole host of expectations and rules, and what could happen if she violated those.”

The victim’s family remains cautious about Geyser’s release. Payton Leutner’s mother, Stacie Leutner, expressed her concerns in a statement: “Morgan Geyser has withdrawn her request to be released twice. More recently, her request was denied. We are confident that the judicial system will make a decision that will ensure the community, and my daughter remain safe.”

Geyser’s previous request for release was denied in April 2024, but this ruling marks a turning point in her path toward reintegration into society. The next two months will be critical as officials finalize the conditions of her supervised release.

The Slender Man stabbing continues to be a chilling reminder of how fictional narratives can influence real-world violence. The case remains one of the most disturbing in recent memory, sparking ongoing discussions about mental health, internet influence, and juvenile justice.