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Slender Man Stabbing Case: Lawyer Seeks Mental Health Facility for Escaped Convict
The attorney representing the woman convicted in the notorious 2014 Slender Man stabbing has made a bold request to a judge. Following her recent escape from a Wisconsin group home, he argues that she should not remain in jail but instead be returned to a mental health facility. This request has reignited discussions about mental health treatment and the nature of Geyser’s crime.
Background of the Case
Morgan Geyser, 23, currently resides in the Waukesha County Jail after being extradited from Illinois last week. She was taken into custody after an escape from a Madison group home where she had been living. This incident has raised questions about her previous conditional release and the adequacy of monitoring mechanisms.
Attorney’s Argument for Mental Health Treatment
Geyser’s attorney, Anthony Cotton, has expressed that his client is not suited for incarceration. He cited her lack of new criminal charges alongside her prior finding of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in the original case. In a letter addressed to Waukesha County Judge K. Scott Wagner, Cotton contended, “It is our position that she should be housed in a mental health facility, not a correctional institution.” This perspective highlights the ongoing debate about the intersection of mental health issues and criminal justice.
Details of Geyser’s Escape
On the evening of November 22, Geyser allegedly fled from the YoYo Quality Care group home. Disturbingly, officials did not report her missing until several hours later, leading to concerns about the facility’s oversight and defenses. Authorities located her at an Illinois truck stop later that same day, along with a 43-year-old man named Chad Mecca.
Upcoming Reviews and Potential Charges
Geyser remains in custody pending a review scheduled for December 22, when officials from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services will discuss her conditional release status. It is unclear what impact her escape will have on the proceedings or if new charges will arise from her actions.
Previously, Geyser had been granted conditional release in January and moved to a group home in September after spending nearly eight years at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Her journey has highlighted the challenges associated with transitioning individuals from institutional settings to less restrictive environments.
Implications of the Escape
The escape has provoked discussions among experts regarding Geyser’s initial release. Some believe her escape underscores concerns about her capability to live independently and the potential risks to public safety. Meanwhile, the Dane County District Attorney’s Office has yet to comment on any new charges stemming from the escape. Geyser may face felony charges for cutting off her electronic monitoring device prior to her departure.
Remembering the Crime
Geyser was 12 years old at the time of the attack on her classmate Payton Leutner. In an incident that shocked the nation, Geyser and her accomplice Anissa Weier lured Leutner to a park where Geyser stabbed her 19 times. Their chilling motive was rooted in an attempt to appease the fictional character Slender Man. This tragic event has had lasting effects on all involved and continues to be a point of contention in discussions about youth and violence.
Legal Outcomes and Sentencing
In 2017, both Geyser and Weier pleaded guilty to charges of attempted intentional homicide, though they were found not guilty by reason of mental illness. Geyser received a 40-year sentence, while Weier was sentenced to serve 25 years. This disparity in sentencing reflects the complexities of adjudicating cases involving minors and mental health considerations.
The Hard Road Ahead
The path ahead for Geyser remains uncertain as discussions around her treatment and potential for future release continue. Her attorney’s move to have her returned to a mental health facility could lead to significant developments in her case.
As society grapples with understanding the relationship between mental health and criminal behavior, cases like Geyser’s serve as reminders of the important dialogue necessary in addressing these complex issues.
Geyser’s lawyer has not yet responded to requests for further comment, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the future of this case. The outcomes will undoubtedly influence ongoing discussions about mental health treatment within the criminal justice system.
