Authorities Search for Woman Who Stabbed Classmate 19 Times as Child

A young woman convicted of attempting to murder a classmate nearly a decade ago has disappeared from her court-ordered group home in Wisconsin, prompting an urgent search by local authorities.

Morgan Geyser, now 22 years old, was last observed Saturday evening around 8 p.m. in the vicinity of Kroncke Drive, accompanied by an adult acquaintance. City officials confirmed Sunday morning that Geyser had removed her court-mandated monitoring bracelet before leaving the facility. Her current whereabouts remain unknown.

Law enforcement has released security camera footage showing recent images of Geyser in an effort to locate her. The public has been asked to remain vigilant and report any sightings to authorities.

Geyser had been residing in the group home following her release earlier this year from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, where she spent seven years receiving psychiatric treatment. A court approved her conditional release after three mental health experts provided testimony that she had made substantial progress in addressing her mental illness.

The case that led to Geyser’s institutionalization shocked the nation in 2014. Geyser, then 12 years old, and her friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate Payton Leutner to a Waukesha park following a sleepover. In a premeditated attack, Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times while Weier encouraged the assault.

Leutner survived the brutal attack, though she sustained life-threatening injuries. The victim has since recovered and moved forward with her life, though the physical and emotional scars of that day remain.

Following the stabbing, Geyser and Weier fled the scene but were apprehended by law enforcement as they walked along Interstate 94. During subsequent interrogations, both girls provided a disturbing explanation for their actions. They claimed they committed the attack to become servants of Slender Man, a fictional horror character popularized through internet folklore. The girls told investigators they believed the character would harm their families if they failed to prove their loyalty through violence.

The case raised significant questions about the influence of internet content on young minds and the appropriate legal response when children commit violent crimes while suffering from mental illness. Both Geyser and Weier were charged as adults, though their cases were handled with consideration for their ages and mental health conditions.

The circumstances surrounding Geyser’s disappearance remain under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the adult acquaintance seen with her Saturday evening, nor have they indicated whether that individual is cooperating with the investigation.

This development raises concerns about the adequacy of monitoring systems for individuals released from psychiatric facilities following violent crimes. The case will likely renew debate about the balance between rehabilitation and public safety in such circumstances.

Anyone with information regarding Morgan Geyser’s whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.