In 2014, a shocking crime unfolded that involved two 12-year-old girls who believed they had to commit murder
to appease a fictional internet character known as Slender Man. This disturbing case highlights the dangerous
potential of internet folklore when mixed with fragile mental states and impressionable youth.
Table of Contents
- The Background of Slender Man
- The Attempted Murder Incident
- Legal and Psychological Aftermath
- Treatment and Release
- What This Case Teaches Us
The Background of Slender Man
Slender Man is a fictional supernatural character created on the internet around 2009. Portrayed as an unnaturally
tall, faceless figure in a black suit, Slender Man became a popular figure in online horror stories and forums.
This character was imagined as stalking, abducting, or traumatizing children.
While initially a work of fiction, Slender Man gained a cult following, with many stories, videos, and games
depicting him. For some young people, the character blurred the boundaries between fantasy and reality.
The Attempted Murder Incident
On May 31, 2014, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, two girls, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, both aged 12, lured their friend
Payton Leutner into the woods after a birthday sleepover. Morgan stabbed Payton 19 times while Anissa encouraged
the act. The girls claimed that attacking their friend was necessary to become servants or “proxies” of Slender Man.
The attack was brutal, yet miraculously, Payton survived by crawling out of the woods and seeking help after the
assault. Police found Morgan and Anissa hours later walking on a highway, claiming they intended to live with Slender Man.
Motivation Behind the Attack
Morgan and Anissa had been planning the attack for several months, influenced by their belief that Slender Man
was real and that they needed to prove their loyalty to him for personal survival. Morgan expressed fear that
if they did not act, Slender Man would harm her or her family.
Legal and Psychological Aftermath
Both girls were charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide as adults due to the severity of the crime.
Despite their young age, the court rejected arguments that their belief in Slender Man constituted a “kill or be killed”
mindset that might have led to a juvenile trial.
During the trial, Morgan’s defense highlighted her schizophrenia diagnosis and mental illness, claiming she was not
fully responsible for her actions. The judge eventually sentenced her to a psychiatric hospital, while Anissa received
a different form of juvenile detention.
Treatment and Release
Morgan Geyser spent more than seven years in a mental health institute, during which experts monitored her progress
dealing with schizophrenia and other conditions linked to the crime. In recent court rulings, she was granted conditional release.
The release plan requires strict supervision and continued treatment in the community until she reaches adulthood.
The case remains a poignant example of the intersections between mental illness, youthful vulnerability, and internet influence.
What This Case Teaches Us
- Dangers of Internet Mythology: Fictional horror stories can sometimes dangerously influence youth.
- Mental Health Awareness: Mental illness played a significant role and requires proper care and attention.
- Juvenile Justice Challenges: Determining how to treat young offenders with serious psychological issues is complex.
- Parental and Community Roles: Awareness and supervision are critical when youths engage deeply with dark online content.