In a recent court hearing, Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren denied the release request of Morgan Geyser, who was sentenced to 40 years in a mental hospital for her role in a brutal stabbing case. Geyser, now 21 years old, had requested to be released from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute earlier this year.

The horrific incident took place on May 31, 2014, when Geyser, along with her peer Anissa Weier, lured their then-classmate, Payton Leutner, to a park in Waukesha after a sleepover. Geyser repeatedly stabbed Leutner while Weier encouraged her actions. The attack left Leutner with 19 stab wounds, and she miraculously survived.

Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide and was subsequently sentenced to 40 years in a mental hospital in 2018. This year's release request was Geyser's second attempt. Her previous request in 2022 was withdrawn two months after filing it.

During the proceedings, two psychologists testified about Geyser's mental state. One psychologist mentioned that Geyser claimed to have been faking psychotic symptoms, which did not align with years of observation and treatment. However, Dr. Robbins, another doctor involved in Geyser's case, believed that it was an appropriate time for her to be conditionally released to a group home. He stated that Geyser had shown significant improvement and required socialization, education, and independence, which the institution could no longer provide effectively.

In contrast to Geyser's denied request, her accomplice, Anissa Weier, who pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide, was released under strict conditions in September 2021 after serving nearly four years. Judge Bohren had determined that Weier no longer posed a threat at that time.

Judge Bohren's decision to deny Geyser's release was based on concerns regarding her potential to harm herself, harm others, or cause property damage. Despite the differing opinions of the psychologists involved, the judge deemed it necessary to prioritize public safety.

As the legal proceedings continue, Geyser, convicted in the disturbing stabbing case, remains in the Winnebago Mental Health Institute.