Morgan Geyser, the perpetrator known for the ‘Slender Man’ knife attack, has been apprehended after reportedly cutting off her electronic monitoring device and disappearing from her residential facility. She was found at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, late on Sunday night following a 24-hour search that crossed state borders, causing concern among the victim’s family. Geyser and another individual were taken into custody at the location after arriving by bus, with Posen being situated approximately 25 minutes south of Chicago.
The arrest unfolded dramatically after authorities revealed Geyser was last spotted in Madison with an adult companion on Saturday evening. Surveillance footage released by the police earlier in the day depicted her inside a public building, triggering numerous tips as the search intensified. Law enforcement officers in Posen discovered the pair at a truck stop, where they were peacefully detained. Both individuals were apprehended as investigators looked into how Geyser managed to remove her Department of Corrections tag and leave the group home where she resided.
The disappearance was first reported on Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from local and state authorities. Geyser’s mother, Angie, made a plea for her daughter’s safe return just hours before she was located. Meanwhile, her lawyer, Tony Cotton, advised Geyser to surrender, emphasizing that it was in her best interest to do so.
Geyser had been placed under supervised care in March following a court ruling that deemed her suitable for community placement. This decision came after three psychologists testified to her readiness to transition from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. As a condition of her release, she was required to wear an electronic bracelet, which she reportedly removed before disappearing.
In 2014, at the age of 12, Geyser and her childhood friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate Payton Leutner into the woods near Waukesha, Wisconsin. Geyser then repeatedly stabbed Leutner while Weier stood by, believing the act would please the fictional character “Slender Man.” Leutner sustained 19 stab wounds but managed to escape and receive medical treatment, garnering international attention for the case’s disturbing nature.
Initially charged as adults, Geyser and Weier later pleaded guilty but were found not guilty by reason of mental illness. Both were subsequently committed to psychiatric care, with Geyser sentenced to a maximum of 40 years in an institution. Weier was granted supervised release in 2021. Concerns were raised about Geyser’s behavior earlier this year, including violent conversations and reading material with disturbing themes.
Authorities are now investigating Geyser’s escape route, assistance she received, and the possibility of additional charges related to cutting off her monitoring device. It remains uncertain whether she will remain in Illinois custody or be returned to Wisconsin. The Leutner family, aware of the situation, is collaborating closely with law enforcement to ensure their safety. Payton Leutner, now an adult, has expressed her resilience and acceptance of the scars from the attack, emphasizing her determination to move forward.
The police in both states are actively examining the situation, and decisions regarding Geyser’s custody are pending official confirmation.