Midwest
'Slender Man' stabber to be released as state warns of 'red flags'
The Wisconsin woman who attempted to kill her 12-year-old classmate to appease the fictional character “Slender Man” will be released despite the state’s claims there are still “red flags” concerning her behavior.
A judge has ruled Morgan Geyser, 22, can continue with her planned conditional release from a Wisconsin mental health institute, rejecting a last-minute petition from the State Department of Health Services asking for her to remain in custody.
The decision comes after failed attempts by Geyser’s defense team to have her released.
Officials asked Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren to reverse his initial decision after he ordered Geyser’s release in January, citing Geyser’s relationship with a murder memorabilia collector and her interest in violent books.
WISCONSIN GIRL, 15, SENTENCED IN SLENDER MAN STABBING CASE
Morgan Geyser is brought into Waukesha County Circuit Court for a hearing April 11, 2024. (Scott Ash/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
In 2017, Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the violent stabbing of Payton Leutner but claimed she was not responsible due to her mental illness. She told investigators she tried to kill Leutner to please the horror character Slender Man and was ultimately found not guilty by reason of mental defect.
Geyser’s defense team and the state’s prosecuting attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
“Being found to be mentally ill as the cause of the crime has a pretty high standard,” Dr. Gail Saltz, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, told Fox News Digital. “The standard is an identifiable illness that impacts your ability to understand that what you’re doing is wrong and that you have the capacity to understand that. That’s true regardless of age. So, it is quite a high standard.”
WISCONSIN WOMAN CHARGED IN ‘SLENDER MAN’ STABBING DROPS REQUEST FOR EARLY RELEASE FROM MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY
Morgan Geyser is brought into Waukesha County Circuit Court for a motion hearing April 10, 2024. (Scott Ash/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Geyser and her friend, Anissa Weier, were 12 when they lured Leutner into a wooded park during a sleepover in May 2014. Geyser, encouraged by Weier, stabbed Leutner 19 times.
Leutner miraculously survived the attack.
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Geyser has been in custody at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for the last seven years. She was initially sentenced to 40 years in the psychiatric hospital and was permitted to ask the court to consider her conditional release every six months.
The Wisconsin State Department of Health Services did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
‘SLENDER MAN’ STABBER GRANTED EARLY RELEASE BY JUDGE AFTER MULTIPLE FAILED ATTEMPTS
Attorney Anthony Cotton talks with client Morgan Geyser after her petition for conditional release was denied in Waukesha County Circuit Court April 11, 2024. (Scott Ash/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Health officials asked Bohren to reconsider, citing Geyser’s relationship with a man who collects murder memorabilia. Prosecutors also said Geyser failed to inform her therapy team about a violent book she was reading.
Geyser’s defense attorney, Tony Cotton, refuted the claims, telling the court the center’s staff members were aware the collector had visited Geyser three times in June 2023 and that she only read books that were permitted by her care team. Cotton added that after Geyser discovered the man was selling items she sent him, she broke things off.
“Morgan is not more dangerous today,” Cotton said.
JUDGE DENIED RELEASE OF WOMAN WHO STABBED CHILDHOOD FRIEND BECAUSE OF ‘SLENDER MAN’
Waukesha County Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie questions Dr. Brooke Lundbohm, a specialist in psychology, during a motion hearing for Morgan Geyser in Waukesha County Circuit Court April 10, 2024. (Scott Ash/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Bohren also listened to testimony from three psychologists who initially recommended Geyser be released during her hearing in January.
While Geyser’s apparent interest in violent topics concerns prosecutors, experts say some individuals may gravitate toward materials that offer a controlled way to indulge in their morbid curiosity.
“This is a gray zone in the sense that many people read violent material as a way of partaking and thinking about that sort of fantasy material,” Saltz said. “Horror movies exist because many humans have sadistic and masochistic urges that are satisfied by reading about or watching material of this sort.”
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Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren presides over the second day of a motion hearing for Morgan Geyser April 11, 2024. (Scott Ash/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
However, agency officials argued Geyser remains a danger to the community, citing the book “Rent Boy,” which features topics such as murder and selling organs on the black market.
Prosecutors told Bohren they believed it was concerning that Geyser reportedly only disclosed the information when confronted by her care team.
“The state has real concerns these things are, frankly, just red flags at this point,” Waukesha County Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie said during a hearing last month.
WISCONSIN WOMAN CONVICTED IN ‘SLENDER MAN’ STABBING CASE PETITIONS FOR CONDITIONAL RELEASE
Morgan Geyser is led out of Waukesha County Circuit Court after her petition for conditional release was denied April 11, 2024. (Scott Ash/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
While morbid curiosities may be normal for some, experts believe those with violent pasts could be influenced by materials about their crimes.
“Thought does not equal behavior,” Saltz said. “That being said, [with] somebody who has committed the behavior, we do worry that ultimately that will increase their urge to do something that they truly [want] to do and lead to a behavior that is considered a problem.”
Despite the state’s pleas to keep Geyser institutionalized, Bohren determined she was no longer a danger to society. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 28, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
‘SLENDER MAN’ CASE: WISCONSIN JUDGE ORDERS CONDITIONAL RELEASE FOR WOMAN INVOLVED IN STABBING
Morgan Geyser appears in a Waukesha County courtroom Jan. 9, 2025, in Waukesha, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
“There are many people who commit horrible assaults with the intent to kill and serve their time and the evaluation is that they acknowledge their crime, which [Geyser] clearly has,” Saltz told Fox News Digital. “They fall under all the ingredients that have to do with rehabilitation, who don’t even have a finding that mental illness was a factor and were then released into society. So, I’m saying this isn’t a totally unique situation.”
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Weier also pleaded guilty to being a party to attempted second-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to 25 years in a mental hospital. In 2021, she was released on the condition she must live with her father and wear a GPS monitor.
Attorneys for Weier did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
“You have to think about the victim in this case too,” Saltz said. “The attack was unbelievably traumatic. But, at the end of the day, it’s highly unusual to essentially lock up a 12-year-old for life.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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A couple of weakening showers passed through overnight, so you might notice some wet pavement here or there. Other than that, we are starting off dry this morning with sunshine and warm temperatures. That sunshine will help quickly push our high temperatures into the upper 80s this afternoon, with high humidity.
We stay dry most of the day, but by late in the afternoon and into the evening, we will watch for scattered storms to move in from the west.
Watch: When storms move in
Southeast Wisconsin weather: Warm, humid & stormy
Wednesday will also be humid but not as warm, with mostly cloudy skies. Look for dry conditions early, then a low pressure system will bring a round of heavy rain and storms across southern Wisconsin from midday into the afternoon. Some storms could be strong to severe, mainly toward the state line. If the low lifts further north, more areas could then see stronger storms.
Still a small chance for a shower or storm Thursday into Friday. Then we warm up quickly for the weekend. Highs will be near the low 90s, with dew points near 70. That combination could push heat index values into the mid to upper 90s.
TUESDAY: Partly Cloudy, Warm, Humid, Evening Storms
High: 87
Wind: SW 10-15 mph
TONIGHT: Sct. Storms Early, Humid
Low: 65
Wind: SW 5 mph
WEDNESDAY: Mostly Cloudy, PM Heavy Rain & Storms
High: 73
THURSDAY: Partly Cloudy, Slight Ch. Storm
High: 80
FRIDAY: Partly Cloudy, Slight Ch. Storm
High: 79 Lake, 83 Inland
SATURDAY: Partly Cloudy, Hot & Humid
High: 89
Heat Index: 95
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Authorities have reportedly identified a suspect wanted in connection with an early-morning shooting that left one Minnesota lawmaker and her husband dead, and a second lawmaker and his wife injured.
Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is being sought for his alleged connection with the attack, according to authorities.
During a press conference, officials shared a photo of Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat at a Minneapolis business shortly after the shootings on Saturday morning. An additional photo released by authorities shows the masked suspect wearing police-like tactical gear and carrying a flashlight.
Boelter is reportedly the CEO of Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to his LinkedIn page. He is also listed as the director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, a security firm his wife reportedly filed to create, according to the company’s website.
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Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is being sought for his alleged connection with the attack that left two people dead and two injured, according to authorities. (Minnesota Department of Public Safety)
Authorities have released a photo of Vance Luther Boelter taken Saturday, June 14, 2025, shortly after the shootings. (Minnesota Department of Public Safety)
“I have been doing projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa for the last three years with the Red Lion Group,” Boelter wrote on his LinkedIn page last month, noting that he is currently open to work.
Boelter possesses an extensive security background, with experience in situations in Africa, North America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East – including the Gaza Strip – according to Praetorian Guard Security Services’ website. He has reportedly received security training by members of the U.S. Military and private firms, with the business’ website showcasing photos of tactical gear and other law enforcement-style uniforms.
Boelter’s family members and Praetorian Guard Security Services did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Boelter reportedly earned his PhD in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University and was previously appointed to the state’s Workforce Development Board by two Minnesota governors, according to Fox 9.
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A surveillance photo released by authorities shows a masked suspect wearing police-like tactical gear and carrying a flashlight as officials race to find Vance Boelter, the suspected gunman in the shooting of two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Minnesota Department of Public Safety)
A map showing where the two shootings took place in Minnesota. (Fox News)
He was reportedly initially appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2016, before being reappointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019 as a private sector representative to the council. He previously served on the same board as Hoffman before his term expired in 2023.
The Minnesota Workforce Development Board did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot in Brooklyn Park early Saturday in what Walz described as “targeted political violence.”
‘DEFUND THE POLICE’ MECCA OF MINNEAPOLIS OVERRUN WITH VIOLENCE, ‘FAILED LEADERSHIP’: FORMER AG CANDIDATE
This combo from photos provided by Minnesota Legislature shows from left, Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. (Minnesota Legislature via AP)
Bullet holes mark the front door of the house of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife who were shot earlier in the day, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Champlin, Minn. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz said. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”
In a related shooting, DFL Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot in Champlin. They are expected to survive and are out of surgery.
Police were called to the Hoffmans’ home shortly after 2 a.m. Upon finding the couple suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, officers were sent to Hortman’s home as a precautionary measure. When they arrived, authorities encountered an individual dressed as a police officer at the front door of the home and what appeared to be a patrol car parked outside.
“[The] suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent,” Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said. “That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility.”
The gunman allegedly escaped through a back door of Hortman’s house following an exchange of gunfire with police, officials said.
Hortman reportedly died at the scene, while her husband was transported to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
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Authorities reportedly discovered a pile of “No Kings” protest flyers inside a vehicle believed to be tied to the gunman. (Minnesota State Patrol/X)
Following the shooting, Boelter reportedly returned to his home, where he rented a room part-time, according to Fox 9. He then texted his two roommates, saying “I love you guys. I’ve made some choices and you guys don’t know anything about this, but I’m going to be gone for a while. I’ll be dead shortly. So I just want to let you know that I love you guys both. And wish it hand’s gone this way. I don’t want to say anything more, and implicate you in any way because you guys don’t know anything about this, but I love you guys and I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused,” the local outlet reported.
Several AK-style firearms were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, along with a pile of “No Kings” flyers – a nod to the anti-Trump administration protests sweeping the nation this weekend. Boelter is believed to be armed with a pistol.
Following the discovery, State Police Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people to not attend any of the protests scheduled throughout the state Saturday. Bogojevic said authorities do not have any evidence that the suspect would be targeting the protests, but added that police had discovered a pile of “No Kings” flyers inside a vehicle believed to be tied to the gunman.
President Donald Trump said in a White House statement that the FBI would aid in the investigation.
“Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
The FBI directed Fox News Digital’s request for comment to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Authorities did not reveal a possible motive for the violence.
The Burnsville Police Department reminded the public to “stay safe and alert.”
“In light of today’s heartbreaking events involving MN lawmakers, we want to remind you to stay alert & safe. If something doesn’t feel right, call 911. Our dispatchers can verify officer identities in real time. Thank you for helping us keep Burnsville safe. We’re here for you,” the department wrote in a statement on X.
Boelter is described as having a height of 6’1″ and weighing approximately 220 pounds, with authorities warning he is considered to be armed and dangerous. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest. Officials are asking anyone with knowledge regarding his whereabouts to call 877-996-6222.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price and The Associated Press contributed to the report.
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