Morgan Geyser’s Life After the Slender Man Incident
Introduction
Morgan Geyser, one of the two girls involved in the infamous Slender Man stabbing case in 2014, has become a focal point in discussions about mental health, juvenile justice, and the impact of online mythology on young minds. The case, which captured national attention, raises important questions about how society treats juveniles who commit serious crimes, particularly in cases where mental illness is involved.
The Slender Man Incident
On May 31, 2014, Morgan Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier attacked their classmate Payton Leutner, believing they were acting to appease the fictional character Slender Man. The attack left Leutner critically injured but she remarkably survived after being found by a passerby. Following the incident, Geyser and Weier were charged with attempted murder. Geyser was diagnosed with schizophrenia, which later played a critical role in her sentencing.
Recent Developments
In 2017, Morgan was sentenced to 40 years in a psychiatric facility, with the possibility of parole. Since then, she has been in treatment, where her mental health has reportedly improved. In May 2021, she was granted a request for a case review that allows her treatment to be reassessed, signalling hope for her eventual release. Her legal team has advocated for her mental health needs, arguing that she is a victim of a severe mental disorder that was severely exacerbated by pressure and media scrutiny.
Discussion on Mental Health
The case has reignited debates about youth crime, the legal system’s response to mental illness, and how digital culture influences young minds. Experts have called for better mental health awareness and more sophisticated approaches when handling cases involving juveniles. There is a significant focus on how conditions like schizophrenia manifest at such a young age, emphasizing the necessity for robust mental health frameworks for children and teenagers.
Conclusion
As Morgan Geyser continues her treatment and her case undergoes periodic reviews, it remains crucial to understand the implications of her actions as stemming from undiagnosed mental illness rather than inherent criminality. Such cases underline the necessity of appropriate interventions and the importance of compassionate approaches to juvenile offenders. As society grapples with these issues, Geyser’s journey highlights both the struggles faced by individuals with mental health challenges and the need for systemic changes in the handling of juvenile justice.