Morgan Geyser, known for the ‘Slender Man’ knife attack, was apprehended after escaping from her group home by cutting off her electronic monitoring bracelet. She was found at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, following a 24-hour search spanning state lines. Geyser and another individual were taken into custody after arriving in the area by bus. Posen is located approximately 25 minutes south of Chicago.
Authorities located Geyser at the truck stop after she was last seen in Madison with an adult acquaintance. Surveillance footage released by the police showed her inside a public building, leading to numerous tips as the search intensified.
Geyser and the other individual were discovered at the truck stop without incident. They were detained as investigators looked into how Geyser removed her Department of Corrections tag and left the group home where she resided.
Geyser’s disappearance was reported on Sunday morning, prompting a rapid response from local and state law enforcement agencies. Her mother, Angie, made a public plea for her daughter’s safe return before Geyser was located.
Released to supervised care in March, Geyser had been deemed suitable for community placement by a court decision. However, she violated the conditions of her release by removing her electronic bracelet, leading to the search.
Geyser and Anissa Weier, both 12 at the time, lured their classmate Payton Leutner into the woods in 2014, where Geyser repeatedly stabbed her while Weier watched. The incident, motivated by the fictional character ‘Slender Man,’ garnered international attention and raised discussions about online influence and mental health in children.
Initially charged as adults, Geyser and Weier were later found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and committed to psychiatric care. Geyser faced up to 40 years in an institution, while Weier received a 25-year term. Weier was granted supervised release in 2021.
Authorities are investigating Geyser’s escape route, assistance received, and potential additional charges related to the incident. It remains unclear whether she will remain in custody in Illinois or be returned to Wisconsin.
The Leutner family, aware of Geyser’s escape, is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure their safety. Payton Leutner, now an adult, has expressed resilience and acceptance of the scars from the attack, emphasizing her efforts to move forward in life.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of Geyser’s escape and any further legal actions that may follow.