Morgan Geyser, known for the ‘Slender Man’ knife attack, was apprehended after cutting off her electronic monitoring device and leaving her group residence. She was found at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, following a 24-hour search that crossed state borders, causing concern for the family of her surviving victim. Geyser and another person were taken into custody after arriving in the area by bus, approximately 25 minutes south of Chicago.
This arrest unfolded after authorities reported Geyser was last spotted in Madison with an adult companion. Surveillance footage inside a public building, released by the police, generated numerous tips as the search intensified.
Posen police disclosed that Geyser and the other individual were discovered at a truck stop without resistance. They were both arrested as authorities investigated how Geyser removed her Department of Corrections tag and left her springtime residence.
The disappearance was reported on Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement agencies. Geyser’s mother, Angie, made a plea for her daughter’s safe return, while her attorney advised her to surrender for her own well-being.
Geyser had been placed in supervised care in March based on a court ruling affirming her readiness for community placement after evaluations by psychologists. However, she breached the release conditions by removing her electronic bracelet on Saturday night.
In 2014, at the age of 12, Geyser and her childhood friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate Payton Leutner into the woods in Wisconsin, where Geyser repeatedly stabbed her while Weier watched. The girls claimed they carried out the attack to please the fictional character ‘Slender Man,’ which had gained online notoriety.
Leutner, then also 12, endured 19 stab wounds but managed to escape and receive medical treatment for life-threatening injuries. The incident garnered global attention, sparking debates on online influence and mental health in youth.
Although initially charged as adults, Geyser and Weier pleaded guilty but were later deemed not guilty due to mental illness. They were both committed to psychiatric care, with Geyser receiving a maximum 40-year sentence and Weier a 25-year term, the latter being granted supervised release in 2021.
Efforts were made for Geyser’s release plan following progress in treatment, but concerns arose over her behavior, including violent interactions and disturbing reading material outside the facility.
The Leutner family acknowledged Geyser’s disappearance and cooperated with law enforcement to ensure their safety, expressing gratitude for the support received during this challenging time.
Leutner, now an adult, has spoken about her healing journey and acceptance of the scars from the attack. Investigations are ongoing to determine Geyser’s actions, assistance received, and potential additional charges related to her escape.
Authorities have not disclosed whether Geyser will remain in Illinois custody or be extradited back to Wisconsin.