Morgan Geyser, the individual responsible for the notorious ‘Slender Man’ knife attack, was apprehended after reportedly cutting off her electronic monitoring device and disappearing from her residential facility. She was located late Sunday night at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, following a 24-hour search that extended across state borders. Authorities confirmed that she was taken into custody along with another person after arriving in the area by bus. Posen is situated approximately 25 minutes south of Chicago.
The arrest unfolded after reports indicated that Geyser was last seen in Madison with an adult companion on Saturday evening. Surveillance footage released by the police earlier in the day showed her inside a public building, leading to numerous tips as the search intensified.
Law enforcement in Posen disclosed that the duo was found 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 had been residing since spring.
The disappearance was reported on Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from local and state authorities. Geyser’s mother, Angie, made a heartfelt plea for her daughter’s safe return before she was located, emphasizing their love and concern for her well-being.
Geyser had been under supervised care since March after a court ruling deemed her suitable for community placement. She was required to wear an electronic bracelet as a condition of her release, which she reportedly removed before her disappearance.
In a notorious incident in 2014, Geyser and her childhood friend Anissa Weier, both 12 years old at the time, lured a classmate into the woods in Wisconsin and carried out a stabbing attack. The victim survived despite sustaining multiple stab wounds. The case garnered widespread attention for its connection to online folklore and raised discussions on mental health in children.
Geyser and Weier, initially charged as adults, later pleaded guilty but were ultimately found not guilty due to mental illness. Geyser received a lengthy institution sentence, while Weier was granted supervised release in 2021.
The Wisconsin court had ordered a release plan for Geyser based on her progress in treatment, but concerns were raised about her behavior earlier this year. The Leutner family, the victim in the case, acknowledged Geyser’s recent disappearance and expressed gratitude for the law enforcement efforts to locate her.
Leutner, now an adult, has spoken about her journey to recovery and acceptance of the scars from the attack. Investigations are underway to trace Geyser’s movements, determine how she received assistance, and assess any potential legal consequences related to her escape.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Geyser will remain in Illinois custody or be returned to Wisconsin in the near future.