Morgan Geyser, one of the two girls involved in the infamous 2014 “Slender Man” stabbing case, is back in custody after fleeing a supervised group home in Wisconsin. Her brief disappearance sparked nationwide attention, reviving public interest in a case that has long been a point of discussion around juvenile crime and mental health.

Who Is Morgan Geyser?

Morgan Geyser became widely known in 2014 when, at the age of 12, she participated in the near-fatal stabbing of her classmate, Payton Leutner, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Along with her friend Anissa Weier, Geyser lured the victim into the woods and stabbed her 19 times. The motive, according to investigators, was the girls’ belief in “Slender Man,” a fictional internet character they mistakenly thought was real.

The attack shocked the country due to the age of those involved and the disturbing internet-inspired motive. Leutner survived after crawling to a nearby road, where a passing bicyclist found her and called for help.

Legal Outcome and Hospitalization

Geyser was charged as an adult but later found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. She was diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia and ordered to remain in a secure psychiatric facility for up to 40 years. Over the years, mental-health professionals monitored her progress through treatment, therapy, and supervision.

In 2025, after consistent evaluations, a judge approved her conditional release. The plan required Geyser to live in a monitored group home, follow strict treatment guidelines, and wear a GPS tracking device.

Escape From Group Home and Arrest

On November 22, 2025, authorities reported that Geyser removed her GPS ankle bracelet and fled her group home in Madison, Wisconsin. Local police issued alerts, and the incident quickly gained national media attention due to her history and long-term psychiatric oversight.

She was later located in Posen, Illinois, roughly 25 minutes south of Chicago, and taken into custody without incident. Officials confirmed she had been found with an adult companion at a truck stop. Her return to custody ended the multi-state search and raised questions about the oversight and safety protocols surrounding her conditional release.

Current Status

Following her capture, Geyser is expected to undergo a thorough review of her release conditions. Authorities will reassess whether she can safely remain in a community setting or must return to a secure treatment facility. Any changes to her release plan will likely face close scrutiny from both mental-health experts and the public.