Morgan Geyser’s Petition for Conditional Release Denied by Judge
Morgan Geyser, one of the defendants in the infamous Slender Man case, has been denied conditional release by Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael O. Bohren. Geyser, who was found not guilty by reason of mental defect in the 2014 attempted murder of Payton Leutner, will remain under the care of the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh.
Judge Denies Conditional Release Petition
Judge Bohren’s ruling means that Geyser, who will turn 22 in May, will not be able to continue her treatment outside the mental institution. Although she can petition for conditional release again in six months, she must abide by the 40-year commitment term ordered by Bohren in 2018.
In his decision, Bohren emphasized the importance of minimizing the risk to the community and Geyser herself. The ruling was based on whether her release to a group home or another form of inpatient care outside a secure mental health facility would pose a risk.
Background of the Slender Man Case
Geyser and her codefendant Anissa Weier, both 12 at the time, stabbed Payton Leutner 19 times in 2014. The attack was driven by their belief in Slender Man, a fictional character they thought could harm them or their families if they did not obey him. Geyser’s early-onset schizophrenia was a contributing factor in the case.
The Slender Man case garnered significant attention due to its unusual nature and the age of the defendants. The girls’ belief in the fictional character and their violent actions shocked the community.
Psychologists Assess Geyser’s Mental State
The court heard testimony from four mental health doctors involved in evaluating Geyser and assisting with her treatment. Psychologist Dr. Deborah Collins expressed concerns about Geyser’s psychological symptoms, including post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxieties, which make conditional release challenging.
However, Collins noted that Geyser has made progress and no longer exhibits symptoms of unspecified schizophrenic spectrum disorder. She suggested that Geyser might be eligible for conditional release in the near future but emphasized the importance of building better coping mechanisms.
Psychologist Dr. Brooke Lundbohm agreed with Collins but raised concerns about Geyser’s credibility, particularly regarding her recent claims of “faked” psychosis. Lundbohm emphasized the need for Geyser to understand her mental illness and be capable of effectively managing it.
Conflicting Opinions
The court heard differing opinions from the doctors involved. Dr. Kenneth Robbins, who evaluated Geyser multiple times since 2014, supported conditional release and stated that Geyser has reached the limit of what the Winnebago facility can offer. Robbins emphasized the importance of socialization for Geyser’s development and believed a group home setting would be beneficial.
Dr. Kayla Pope, Winnebago’s medical director, also advocated for conditional release. She stated that Geyser is safe to return to the community and no longer requires the services provided by the facility.
Defense and Prosecution Perspectives
Defense attorney Anthony Cotton and Assistant District Attorney Ted Szczupakiewicz presented opposing views on the doctors’ assessments. Cotton argued that Geyser’s release is warranted given the doctors’ endorsements and the absence of serious dangerousness to others since her admission to Winnebago.
Szczupakiewicz, on the other hand, trusted the conclusions of Collins and Lundbohm and expressed concern about Geyser’s shifting explanations for the crime, casting doubt on her credibility.
The Judge’s Verdict and Concerns
Judge Bohren expressed concern about Geyser’s credibility and understanding of her mental state. He emphasized the brutality of the crime and the “risk of dangerous conduct” associated with it. Bohren ruled against conditional release, citing the need for further evaluation and Geyser’s understanding of her mental illness.
Geyser’s request for conditional release has been denied for the third time. The court previously granted conditional release to her codefendant, Anissa Weier, who was found not guilty by reason of mental defect.
About the Authors
Contributing writer: Jim Riccioli
Contact: [email protected]
