On May 31, 2014, two teenage girls in Waukesha, Wisconsin, lured their friend into the woods and stabbed her nearly 20 times, claiming they wanted to ‘prove’ they could kill to appease the fictional online horror character Slender Man. One victim survived; the other, her close friend, died. The case drew national and international attention, sparking conversations about internet culture, youth mental health, and parental responsibility. This explainer outlines what happened, how the legal proceedings unfolded, and why the case remains relevant to understanding online influence, criminal responsibility, and community safety.
What Happened: Key Events in the Wisconsin Slender Man Case
The incident occurred on May 31, 2014, when then-12-year-old Anissa Weier and her friend Morgan Geyser—both home-schooled—told 12-year-old Payton Leutner that they wanted to show their loyalty to Slender Man, a fictional online boogeyman. They led Leutner into a wooded area near a park in Waukesha and stabbed her. Weier and Geyser then left the scene; Geyser later told investigators she believed killing someone would make her a proxy for Slender Man. Leutner survived after multiple surgeries; Weier and Geyser were found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect after separate trials.
Timeline of Events
The case unfolded rapidly in late May and early June 2014, with arrests, emergency psychiatric evaluations, and initial court appearances occurring within days. The girls were charged as adults, heightening public concern. The criminal trials followed in 2017 and 2018, with outcomes that surprised many observers given the severity of the act.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | May 31, 2014 | Court records, law enforcement reports |
| Location | Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States | Local news archives, court filings |
| Victims | Payton Leutner (injured), results fatal for another planned victim (unrealized) | Court documents, investigative reports |
| Defendants | Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser, both evaluated as mentally ill | Psychiatric evaluations, trial transcripts |
| Charges | Attempted first-degree intentional homicide, conspiracy | Indictments and plea agreements |
| Trial Outcomes | Not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect; committed to mental health facilities | Court rulings, Wisconsin Department of Health Services |
Legal Proceedings and Verdicts
The cases of Weier and Geyser were tried separately in adult court. Psychiatric evaluations found both defendants had mental illnesses, including delusional disorder and autism spectrum traits, affecting their ability to understand the wrongfulness of their actions. Prosecutors argued premeditation; defense teams emphasized impaired judgment and influence of online fantasy. In 2018 and 2017, respectively, both were found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and committed to secure mental health facilities rather than prison.
Sentencing and Facility Commitment
- Anissa Weier: Committed to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute with a minimum commitment period aligned with court findings of ongoing treatment needs.
- Morgan Geyser: Also committed to a secure mental health facility, with reviews determining continued treatment requirements.
Psychological and Cultural Context
Slender Man originated as a Creepypasta character created in 2009 on an online forum. The case exposed vulnerabilities in how adolescents engage with online fiction, hoaxes, and roleplay. Experts noted that the girls demonstrated a blurred line between fantasy and reality—a concern amplified by internet communities that sometimes valorize extreme acts within fictional narratives.
Key Factors Identified by Experts
- Exposure to horror and creepypasta content without critical media literacy.
- Isolation and limited real-world social engagement, particularly given home schooling.
- Desire for belonging, identity, and perceived acceptance within online groups.
- Inadequate adult supervision and early intervention in behavioral warning signs.
Mental Health Implications and Treatment
Both girls were diagnosed with serious mental health conditions that influenced their perception of reality. The case underscored the need for accessible, early mental health care and parental awareness of online influences. Treatment plans in the facility focused on stabilizing mood, improving reality testing, and structured therapeutic support rather than punitive measures.
Treatment Elements Observed in the Cases
- Medication management for psychotic symptoms and mood regulation.
- Structured daily routines within the mental health facility.
- Therapeutic interventions targeting cognitive distortions and social skills.
- Monitoring and gradual reintegration planning to reduce recidivism risk.
Community and Societal Impact
The Slender Man case prompted debates about internet safety, parental controls, and platform responsibility. Schools and libraries reviewed internet policies; lawmakers considered stronger online safety education requirements. While the crime was rare, it became a symbol of how digital myths can affect vulnerable minds. Communities responded with increased awareness campaigns and school-based programs on media literacy and mental health.
Long-Term Consequences for Policy and Practice
- Wisconsin and other states reviewed protocols for juvenile mental health interventions.
- Increased funding for school-based mental health services in some districts.
- Platform discussions about moderation of horror and conspiracy-themed content targeting minors.
Ongoing Relevance and Public Discourse
Years after the incident, the Slender Man case remains a reference point in discussions about youth violence online, the ethics of true crime storytelling, and the balance between accountability and treatment in juvenile justice. Modern coverage often revisits the case when similar incidents emerge, using it as a benchmark for understanding risk factors and prevention strategies.
For journalists, educators, and clinicians, the case offers lessons on early identification, responsible reporting, and the importance of context when discussing internet-driven behavior. A nuanced view recognizes both the seriousness of the act and the mental health vulnerabilities that shaped it, avoiding both sensationalism and minimization.
Conclusion: Why the Story Endures
The Slender Man case in Wisconsin is remembered not only for its tragic events but also for what it revealed about digital culture, mental health, and community response. Its endurance in public discourse reflects broader questions about how society addresses youth violence, online influence, and treatment-oriented justice. Understanding the case in full helps frame thoughtful prevention, responsible media engagement, and informed public dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in the Slender Man case in Wisconsin? Two teenage girls stabbed a classmate in the woods, attempting to prove loyalty to the fictional online character Slender Man; one victim survived, the other died.
- What were the verdicts in the Slender Man trial? Both defendants were found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and committed to secure mental health facilities.
- What is Slender Man? Slender Man is a fictional online horror character created in 2009; the case illustrated how online fiction can impact vulnerable individuals.
- What mental health issues were involved? Both girls had diagnosed conditions, including delusional disorder and traits associated with autism spectrum disorder.
- What changes resulted from the case? The case spurred discussions and policy reviews around internet safety, media literacy, youth mental health care, and juvenile justice practices.