The Crime That Shocked America
In 2014, a case emerged from Waukesha, Wisconsin, that would capture national attention and raise profound questions about mental illness, criminal responsibility, and the justice system. Two teenage girls, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, lured their classmate Payton Leutner into the woods and stabbed her 19 times. The motive was extraordinary—they claimed to be acting on behalf of a fictional internet character known as Slender Man.
The attack left many wondering how young teenagers could commit such a violent act. The answer would lie not in a traditional criminal trial, but in a complex legal proceeding centered on mental illness.
Understanding the Legal Framework
The Mental Health Defense
Rather than facing adult criminal prosecution, Morgan Geyser’s case took an unusual path. At age 15, she entered a guilty plea to attempted first-degree murder. However, Wisconsin law allowed for a different outcome based on her mental state.
The prosecution, defense, and court system ultimately determined that Geyser suffered from severe mental illness that affected her ability to understand the nature and consequences of her actions. Specifically, doctors diagnosed her with schizophrenia, a condition that significantly impaired her judgment.
A Different Kind of Sentence
Instead of serving traditional prison time, Geyser was committed to a mental institution. Her legal team explained that while she had clearly committed an offense, Wisconsin law recognized that her mental illness meant she could not be held legally responsible in the traditional sense. This meant Geyser would not have a criminal record, a crucial distinction that reflected the state’s approach to defendants with serious mental health conditions.
The Sentencing Details
40 Years of Mental Health Confinement
In February 2018, a judge ordered that Morgan Geyser be committed to a mental facility for 40 years—the maximum sentence available under Wisconsin law. This was the outcome the state had requested, and it represented a significant commitment period.
Geyser’s co-defendant, Anissa Weier, received a separate sentence of 25 years in mental confinement. Both sentences reflected their respective roles in the attack and their mental health evaluations.
Path to Potential Release
While 40 years might seem like a fixed sentence, Geyser’s case included provisions for eventual release. She became eligible to petition for release after just six months, provided she could demonstrate to the court that she was no longer a danger to herself or others. This mechanism acknowledged that mental health treatment and recovery are possible, and that long-term confinement isn’t necessarily permanent.
Recent Developments
In November 2025, Morgan Geyser escaped from a group home facility and fled to Illinois. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services initiated an extradition warrant to return her to the state. This incident marked a significant development in a case that has been closely monitored for over a decade.
Why This Case Matters
The Morgan Geyser case represents an important intersection of criminal justice and mental health law. It demonstrates how the American legal system attempts to balance accountability with compassion when serious crimes are committed by individuals with documented mental illness.
The case raises lasting questions about teenage culpability, the nature of responsibility under mental illness, and how society should respond to violent acts when the perpetrators are both young and mentally unwell. Whether through her eventual release or continued confinement, Geyser’s story will continue to inform discussions about mental health in the criminal justice system.