The Slender Man stabbing case, which shook Wisconsin and garnered national attention, was a harrowing event that unfolded in 2014. The incident involved two 12-year-old girls, Anissa E. Weier and Morgan E. Geyser, who attempted to murder their classmate, Payton Isabella Leutner, in a shocking act of *violence* inspired by the fictional character, Slender Man. The girls believed that killing Leutner would appease Slender Man and prove his existence.
On the morning of May 31, 2014, the perpetrators lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, into a heavily wooded area in Waukesha, Wisconsin, after a sleepover. The girls stabbed Leutner 19 times with a 5-inch blade, leaving her with severe injuries and a miraculous survival story. The girls were motivated by their obsession with the Slender Man, a sinister internet creation characterized by his tall, thin figure and featureless face. This event is often referred to as the Slender Man stabbing case.
The Slender Man is a fictional character that gained popularity online in the early 2010s. Originally created by Eric Knudsen (known as Victor Surge) in 2009, Slender Man is often depicted as a menacing figure with a bald, featureless face and an unsettling presence. The character has become a staple in horror folklore, with countless stories and images circulating on the internet. The Slender Man stabbing case highlighted the potential dangers of online folklore and the impact it can have on impressionable minds.
Payton Leutner, the victim, suffered 19 stab wounds in the attack, but survived after being rescued by a cyclist. Although miraculously alive, the ordeal left her physically and emotionally scarred. The perpetrators were arrested and charged as adults due to the severity of the crime and their premeditated actions. Anissa E. Weier and Morgan E. Geyser were sentenced to varied terms, with Geyser initially escaping custody in 2017 and being recaptured after a manhunt.
In 2025, the case still resonates, with Anissa Weier being released on July 17, 2025, after serving her full sentence. The release has sparked renewed interest in the case, with many wondering about the long-term effects of the incident on all parties involved. Payton Leutner, now a young adult, continues to rebuild her life, supported by her family, who have assured the public that she is safe and recovering.
The Slender Man stabbing remains a haunting reminder of the power of online myths and the potential consequences of unchecked obsession. The case has been the subject of numerous documentaries, articles, and discussions, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers lurking in the shadows of the internet. It underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness in protecting young minds from the darker aspects of online culture.
As we reflect on the Slender Man stabbing case, it is crucial to remember the resilience of Payton Leutner and the ongoing impact of the event on all those involved. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for open dialogue about internet folklore and its potential risks, ensuring that such tragedies do not repeat themselves.
