When Morgan was a toddler: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
colors melted down: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
rainbows orbited: Morgan Geyser interview (3/29/18).
As Morgan learned to read: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
In private, Morgan preferred to talk: Morgan Geyser interview (4/4/18).
“are ruled by logic”: “Star Trek,” Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Star-Trek-series-1966-1969#ref1263248.
She named her guinea pigs: Morgan Geyser interview (3/27/18).
Only in hindsight: Beware the Slenderman, directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (HBO Documentary Films, 2016).
As a child, she named: Angie Geyser interview (5/22/18).
SafeHouse, a spy-themed restaurant: Jen DeSalvo interview (5/7/19).
“Hello, spies”: Ibid.
Angie emanated a kind: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
But when customers drank: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
When Matt stepped outside: Angie Geyser interview (9/29/17).
On weekends, they stayed in: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
a movie about: Author’s interpretation of Tombstone.
Matt’s Mormon parents: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
“The horrid howl”: Qtd. in Dan Kaufman, The Fall of Wisconsin (2018): 11–12.
When Matt was seven: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
Years later, Matt sat: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
So Angie hurried back to school: Angie Geyser interviews.
studies vary: Fritz Mattejat and Helmut Remschidt, “The Children of Mentally Ill Parents,” Deutsches Arzeteblatt International 105, no. 23 (June 2008): 413–8.
When Morgan was three: Morgan Geyser interview (3/21/18).
In 2010, when she was eight: Morgan Geyser interview (4/4/18).
In her bedside drawer: Janisch property inventory, Morgan Geyser hearing exhibit (2/17/15).
Bella’s teachers would later describe: Statements from Bella’s teachers from police report; Stacie Leutner’s descriptions of Bella’s character and habits from police report.
Morgan liked the way Bella: Angie Geyser interviews.
Other kids had considered: Antoinette Kavanaugh testimony, Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15), statements of other classmates to reporters.
Bella cared more about being nice than being: Stacie Leutner statement from police report.
Morgan wore a black heart pendant: Intake photos from police report.
Both loved Harry Potter: Morgan Geyser and Bella Leutner’s teacher interviews from police report.
But Morgan wanted to be: Morgan Geyser interviews.
When Morgan told Bella: Emails between Bella Leutner and Morgan Geyser from police report.
For the next three years: Morgan Geyser interview (4/4/18).
According to her teachers: Multiple Horning Middle School teacher interviews from police report.
In class, when Morgan talked: Math teacher Diane Giese interview from police report.
In 2012, the popular fifth grade: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Morgan and Bella tried to clean up: Stacie Leutner interview from police report.
“We were friends”: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Prior to Morgan’s crime: “Waukesha, Wisconsin,” America’s Promise Alliance, https://www.americaspromise.org/waukesha-wisconsin-0.
In the weeks leading up: Sarah Millard, “Man Tells Police to Just Cite Him for Noise Complaints,” Patch, May 7, 2014, https://patch.com/wisconsin/waukesha/man-tells-police-to-just-cite-him-for-noise-complaints.
Growing up, Morgan took hikes: Angie Geyser interviews.
“That werewolf is my grandson”: Morgan Geyser interviews.
“It was like an arbitrary number”: Morgan Geyser interview (3/21/18).
But after he received a schizophrenia: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
Living medication-free: Ibid.
At nineteen years old, he stopped: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
At dinner, he asked: Angie Geyser interview (2/3/18).
Whether Matt was the first: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
The wedding took place: Wedding photos from the Geyser family archive.
After getting married: Angie Geyser interviews.
They purchased a condo at Sunset Homes: Condo sale records listed on Zillow.
Being a full-time dad: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
Morgan pushed his vacuum: Morgan Geyser interviews.
But sometimes Morgan wanted: Morgan Geyser interviews.
After watching The Dark Knight: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Bella still pretended to see and hear: Morgan Geyser interviews, corroborated by teacher’s accounts from the police reports.
One day, when Bella and Morgan: Morgan Geyser interview (4/4/18).
At school, Morgan drew: Copies of drawings and notes found in Morgan Geyser’s and Anissa Weier’s belongings, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
At home, she slipped: Home videos of Morgan Geyser gathered for the defense team’s trial prep (the trial never happened). The author viewed these videos in the spring of 2018.
Morgan even said as much: Emails between Morgan Geyser and Bella Leutner from police report.
Morgan had written: Anissa Weier trial exhibits (9/12/17).
A few months after Morgan’s parents: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
But when Morgan was two: Bob and Dianna Niesen interviews.
About 40 percent of adults: Treatment Advocacy Center schizophrenia fact sheet.
On Instagram, Angie shared: Records of Angie Geyser’s Instagram account from police report.
“But my head doesn’t hurt”: Morgan Geyser interview (3/19/18).
“Bella noticed I was changing”: Morgan Geyser interview (4/25/18).
The summer before sixth grade: “Past Weather in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA—June 2013,” timeanddate.com, https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/usa/waukesha/historic?month=6&year=2013.
At the Waukesha County Fair: “Visitor Info: Food and Drink,” Waukesha County Fair, https://www.waukeshacountyfair.com/visitor-info/food-faves/.
Girls from the 4-H club: Sarah Millard, “Who Are the Waukesha County Fairest of the Fair 2013 Finalists?,” Patch, June 12, 2013, https://patch.com/wisconsin/waukesha/who-are-the-waukesha-county-fairest-of-the-fair-2013-finalists.
“What kind of insane”: Digital record of Morgan Geyser’s search history from police report.
But Morgan thought it was: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Bella’s mom wanted: Stacie Leutner interview from police report.
“That’s all she talked about”: Dianna Niesen interview (April 2018).
Her mom called her: Psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Melissa Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“the worst period”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Anissa felt like she could: Psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Gregory Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
His first wife had been: Anissa Weier trial transcript.
“I got whatever attention”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
After Kristi moved out: Irene Taylor Brodsky interview.
Bill noticed that Anissa seemed to: Bill Weier pretrial interview, qtd. in Anissa Weier trial transcript.
Anissa loved playing the hero: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
At school, she lashed out: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
Her teachers would later: Jeffrey Allen interview with police, qtd. in Anissa Weier trial transcripts.
She had a lisp and dressed young: Jeffrey Allen interview with police.
Years later, a bevy of mental health: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“compromise her beliefs and values”: Danielle Weber, qtd. in psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
As Anissa’s home life became: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
the video game Minecraft: “What Is Minecraft?,” KidsPost, Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/what-is-minecraft/2013/03/14/98c54514-8a57-11e2-a051-6810d606108d_story.html.
“Hey,” Anissa wondered: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
It turned out that “creepypasta”: Creepypasta website and wiki, author’s firsthand experience.
Later, a court-appointed psychiatrist: Psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“It was really creepy”: Anissa Weier trial transcript.
It was an ever-growing collection: Author’s firsthand experience.
Anissa liked it, she said: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Creepypasta.com specialized in: Creepypasta website, author’s firsthand experience.
Anissa spent the first three days: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“There’s always telephones”: Bill Weier testimony, Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17), p. 16.
At Horning Middle School: Horning Middle School teacher interviews from police report.
She felt lonely: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
At first their relationship: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Years later, Morgan would write: Morgan Geyser writing.
“Her and I could talk”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Anissa’s dad, Bill, would testify: Bill Weier testimony, Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
Anissa quickly began: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
In her imagination: Morgan Geyser interviews.
She thought Anissa was: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
Instead, Morgan pulled Anissa’s backpack: Morgan Geyser interviews.
But the gesture struck Bella: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report; Morgan Geyser interviews.
In response to an email: Emails between Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier from police report.
“Oh God,” Anissa said: Morgan Geyser interview (4/4/18).
But at school, Morgan and Bella: Morgan Geyser interviews; Horning Middle School teacher interviews from police report.
“Anissa finds peer rejection”: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15).
Lance*: Morgan Geyser interview (3/28/18).
“I made a rape baby”: Anissa Weier police interrogation; Morgan Geyser interviews.
When Anissa told Morgan: Anissa Weier police interrogation videos.
When she came across Slenderman: Angie Geyser interviews.
According to Slenderman expert: 20/20, season 42, episode 5, “The Wicked,” aired October 25, 2019, on ABC, https://abc.com/shows/2020/episode-guide/2019-10/25-102519-the-wicked.
Morgan was open with Anissa: Morgan Geyser interviews.
She would later explain: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Eventually, Anissa uncovered what: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
A caption underneath the photo: “Slender Man,” Marble Hornets, http://marblehornets.wikidot.com/slender-man.
According to court records: Morgan Geyser motion hearing transcript (9/20/16).
She sketched silly “Slender parodies”: Copies of drawings and notes found in Morgan Geyser’s locker, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
In one of her notebooks: Morgan Geyser’s school notebook, Anissa Weier trial exhibit.
“Jeffrey Woods was always bullied”: Morgan Geyser’s school notebook, Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing exhibit.
Later, investigators would uncover: Morgan Geyser preliminary hearing transcript (2/17/15).
Anissa was elated: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Morgan kept trying to keep: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
Later, Morgan would tell police: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
Anissa felt hyper during “book club”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
In creepypastas Slenderman hunted: Creepypasta stories as explained by Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier during their interrogations.
At first, Morgan’s drawings: Copies of Morgan Geyser’s drawings and writings from police report.
Morgan’s science teacher: Detective Thomas Casey teacher interviews from police report.
“Except I didn’t believe”: Angie Geyser interview (9/29/17).
As Bruno Bettelheim: Bruno Bettelheim, The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales (New York: Knopf, 1976), p. 69.
Bella described Creepypasta as: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
Stacie Leutner “did some research”: Detective Casey Stacie Leutner interview report from police report.
“couldn’t find anything”: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
Part of Bella: Shelley Fisher testimony, Anissa Weier trial transcripts.
“Do you really hear the voices?”: Emails between Bella Leutner and Morgan Geyser from police report.
According to police reports: Stacie Leutner interview from police report; Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
fictional horror characters from Creepypasta: Creepypasta character descriptions from Slender Man Wiki, theSlenderman.fandom.com.
Morgan warned that if Bella: Shelly Fisher incident report from police report.
She was excited: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Sometimes Anissa obliged: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021); Angie Geyser interviews.
In her locker, Morgan kept: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15).
Later, Anissa’s attorneys: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
“These boys, neither one”: Clarence Darrow, closing argument in The State of Illinois v. Nathan Leopold & Richard Loeb, 1924, available at http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/leoploeb/darrowclosing.html.
“trying to explain”: Morgan Geyser motion hearing transcript (9/20/16).
Anissa liked science experiments: Psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
In late November 2013: Bill Novak, “Second Deer with CWD Found in Grant County Outside Management Zone,” Wisconsin State Journal, December 17, 2013, https://madison.com/news/local/second-deer-with-cwd-found-in-grant-county-outside-management-zone/article_45939dc4-f609-5c2a-8533-5d6cd3dc7494.html.
Around six hundred fifty thousand: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weapon Use Report, average number of hunters per year, https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Hunt/documents/WeaponUseReport.pdf.
Anissa dutifully recorded: Anissa Weier’s Spanish notebook, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Subzero temperatures vacuumed: Author’s firsthand experience.
When Morgan felt lonely or scared: Emails between Morgan and Anissa, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“I will not lie”: Emails between Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
After Morgan caught Anissa: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
She needed Anissa: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
“It was Morgan’s idea”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
According to Anissa, Morgan: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
“It was kind of like”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Anissa, a lonely child: Emails from police reports, Anissa Weier trial transcripts.
According to Morgan, Anissa: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
On Morgan’s computer, investigators: Contents of Morgan Geyser’s computer, including writings, search history, and emails, from police report.
“I’m scared, Spock”: Star Trek into Darkness, directed by J. J. Abrams (Paramount Pictures, 2013). Scene available on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NeYb7QbGi0.
Given her gaming experience: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
As one psychiatrist later testified: Psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Morgan warned Anissa: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
According to Anissa, Slender Mansion: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
Together, she and Morgan consulted Morgan’s notes: Copies of drawings and notes found in Morgan Geyser’s and Anissa Weier’s belongings from police report.
“We thought we would”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“defeat the animals”: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
“staying in the woods”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
In order to protect: Psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Caldwell), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“We thought we had to”: Psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Anissa felt like together: Psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits; Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
“I didn’t know what”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
MRI brain imaging: Ibid.
Morgan thought that Bella of all people: Morgan Geyser interviews.
“I was confused”: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
“Deed” or “it”: Anissa Weier police interrogation; Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
“our secret trip”: Psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Morgan and Anissa drew pictures: Drawings from Morgan’s and Anissa’s school notebooks, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
The two remained close: Horning Middle School teacher interviews from police report; Stacie Leutner interview from police report; Morgan Geyser interview at Winnebago.
“Her mom thought”: Morgan Geyser interviews.
One month before the stabbing: Morgan Geyser interviews, corroborated by Stacie Leutner’s interview from police report.
It was a side of Morgan: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
But in a decision: Stacie Leutner statements to police; Angie Geyser interview; Morgan Geyser interview.
In January, a polar vortex: Jennifer Preston, “‘Polar Vortex’ Sends Shivers across U.S.,” The Lede (blog), New York Times, January 6, 2014, https://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/06/polar-vortex-brings-coldest-temperatures-in-decades.
Snowplows combed the highways: Bill Chappell, “Cheese to the Rescue: Surprising Spray Melts Road Ice,” NPR, January 21, 2014, https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/01/21/264562529/cheese-to-the-rescue-surprising-spray-melts-road-ice.
The Wisconsin State Journal: Jeff Richgels, “Bone Chilling Cold to Last Through Next Week,” Wall Street Journal, January 6, 2014, https://madison.com/wsj/weather/bone-chilling-cold-to-last-through-midweek/article_bd1509eb-a532-5dcf-90ee-686df6c64b67.html.
Sun set at 4:30 P.M.: Wisconsin seasonal patterns.
she checked out: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript (6/29/15).
She ventured into the part of: Angie Geyser interview (2/3/18).
Instead of asking follow-up questions: Detective Casey report from police report.
It was the most severe: Angie Geyser interview (2/3/18).
Later, as Morgan waited: Detective Casey report from police report.
According to Morgan, Matt: Morgan Geyser interview (3/29/18).
“Who are you talking to?”: Angie Geyser interview (2/3/18).
While Wisconsinites braved: David Hyland, “Wisconsinites Brave Deep Freeze,” WPR, January 5, 2014, https://www.wpr.org/wisconsinites-brave-deep-freeze.
“How to cover up”: Contents of Morgan Geyser’s computer, including writings, search history, and emails, from police report.
Morgan sensed: Morgan Geyser interview (3/29/18).
“What the fuzz?”: Emails between Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
She sent Anissa desperate: Emails between Morgan and Anissa, qtd. in psychiatric evaluation reports (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Mrs. Jackson later told the police: Horning Middle School teacher and staff interviews from police report.
Morgan for writing the word “die”: Horning Middle School teacher and staff interviews from police report.
Their students struggled: “Horning Middle,” U.S. News & World Report, https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/wisconsin/horning-middle-263916.
On the playground she was seen barking at other children: Horning Middle School teacher and staff interviews from police report.
But while teachers noticed: Horning Middle School teacher and staff interviews from police report.
“I was worried that”: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript (6/29/15).
Later, in their interviews: Horning Middle School teacher and staff interviews from police report.
“The children all came”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
As far as Bill was concerned: Beware the Slenderman, directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (HBO Documentary Films, 2016).
“I did believe in him”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“I almost cried”: Contents of Morgan Geyser’s computer, including writings, search history, and emails, from police report.
Bill had recently sat down with Anissa: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
Morgan crossed out the word: Copies of drawings and notes found in Morgan Geyser’s and Anissa Weier’s belongings, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“SUPPLIES NECESSARY”: Copies of Morgan Geyser’s drawings and writings from police report.
Three weeks before the party: Contents of Morgan Geyser’s computer, including writings, search history, and emails, from police report.
Morgan ate a vegetable sushi roll: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
Around that same time, she got her first period: Morgan Geyser interviews; Angie Geyser interviews.
When the family went out: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
“You know, Angie”: Dianna Niesen interview (April 2018).
At home, Bella had been: Joe Leutner victim impact statement (2/1/18).
To Bella’s surprise: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
In Mrs. Weidenbaum’s “readers and writers” workshop: Horning Middle School teacher and staff interviews from police report.
Anissa hugged her dad goodbye and said she loved him: Anissa Weier trial transcript (9/12/17).
He later told the police: Bill Weier interview from police report.
a bland institutional building: Photos of the school are available on Google Maps.
where a sign: 20/20 segment, “Out of the Woods,” aired September 26, 2014, on ABC, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gev604oZCQ8&ab_channel=KennethMcDonough.
Inside, school colors: Horning Middle School, https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/HorningMS.
Morgan took a math test: Horning Middle School teacher interviews, including Krista Krauter, from police report.
Earlier that year, Anissa: Statements from K.N. and S.N. from police report.
The other girl, identified in court: Anissa Weier trial transcript (9/12/17).
Mrs. Krauter told the police: Horning Middle School teacher interviews from police report.
When the last bell rang: “Daily Schedule,” Horning Middle School, https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/domain/1305.
Morgan and Bella returned to Mrs. Weidenbaum’s: Horning Middle School teacher interview from police report.
“like, memories and stuff”: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
After riffling through: Photos of Morgan Geyser’s and Anissa Weier’s belongings from police report.
Anissa was Tiger’s favorite: Beware the Slenderman, directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (HBO Documentary Films, 2016).
Though slightly smaller: Online real estate listings.
This was done on purpose: Irene Taylor Brodsky interview.
Morgan recalled how Thor: Morgan Geyser interview (4/11/18).
Maxi pads: Evidence inventory from police report.
She remembered laying down: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Anissa was a new enough friend: Matt and Angie Geyser interviews from police report.
But despite not knowing her: Matt Geyser interview (conducted via text message, 2018–2021).
One mile away: Per Google Maps.
Bella retrieved her overnight bag: Incident reports and evidence inventory from police report.
As a light breeze: “Past Weather in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA—May 2014,” timeanddate.com, https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/usa/waukesha/historic?month=5&year=2014.
Stacie explained that she: Stacie Leutner interview from police report.
She had already proven herself: Contents of Morgan Geyser’s computer, including writings, search history, and emails, from police report.
“Stacie began to wonder”: Stacie Leutner interview from police report.
She also brought: K-9 unit report from police report.
Stacie watched as Bella: Stacie Leutner interview from police report.
even as she reassured herself: Stacie Leutner interview, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
But birthday upgrades: “Skateland Birthday Party Packages!,” Skateland, https://waukesha.skate-land.com/birthday-parties.
offered a choice between: Author’s firsthand experience of Skateland.
blond leather lace-ups: Photo of Bella, Morgan, and Anissa taken at Skateland.
She hadn’t been sleeping well lately: Morgan Geyser interviews.
“races are lame”: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Back home, Morgan opened: This information, and the majority of the details about this sleepover and the crime that followed it, comes from the police interrogations of Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier. Each of the girls was interrogated only once, on the day of their arrest. These interviews, which lasted multiple hours and were given without the presence of their parents or legal counsel, were videotaped. In these interviews, both Morgan and Anissa go into great detail about the hours that preceded the stabbing. Their accounts largely corroborate each other, and the instances where they give conflicting information have been noted.
Before bedtime, the girls: Incident reports from police report.
Morgan made a Sims family: Morgan Geyser interview (4/18/18); Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
Morgan and Anissa had both: Morgan Geyser interview (4/18/18).
When Morgan started talking: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
After a while, she decided: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
Bella watched Morgan and Anissa: Morgan Geyser pretrial hearing (2/16/15).
snacked on cheese puffs: Angie Geyser interviews.
Anissa punched in: Evidence inventory from police report.
When Anissa told Morgan: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
She burrowed deep: Morgan Geyser interviews.
By then Morgan had resigned: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
“I don’t like sleeping”: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
According to the National Alliance: “Sleep Disorders,” National Alliance for Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Sleep-Disorders.
“Why don’t we do”: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
Upstairs, Bella woke: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
Anissa wore a mishmash: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Morgan dressed as: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
“We should do ‘it’ today”: Ibid.; Anissa Weier police interrogation.
When it was Morgan’s turn to change: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
Morgan asked her parents: Morgan Geiser pretrial hearing (2/16/15).
“I love you”: Angie Geyser interviews.
she’d worn the closest thing she owned: Evidence inventory, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“in case we get hungry”: Morgan Geiser pretrial hearing (2/16/15).
“Dear God”: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
“Singing and what else?”: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
Bella did not believe: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
Morgan began lecturing Bella: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
So she sat on the floor: Police report, including interrogation summaries.
She thought she heard: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
“I knew where the ribs”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“No,” Bella said: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
She started singing: Morgan Geyser pretrial hearing (2/16/15).
“She stabbed apples”: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
As the girls walked back: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
“Sorry. I got bored”: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
Morgan decided the concrete bathroom: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
Over the years, her patience: Police report, including interrogation summaries; Stacie Leutner interview from police report.
“Hide-and-seek, that was”: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
Bella believed in fairness: Shelly Fisher incident report on the Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
Later, in a press release: “Slender Man Stabbing Victim Slept with Scissors after Attack,” WISN News, December 19, 2017, https://www.wisn.com/article/slender-man-stabbing-victim-slept-with-scissors-after-attack/14464408.
“People that trust you”: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
“I’m not lying in dirt”: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
When Anissa wouldn’t move: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
she’d even created her own “killer catchphrase”: Morgan’s drawings from police reports, Anissa Weier interrogation.
But Anissa wanted Morgan: Ibid.; Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
“Screw it,” she thought: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
But then she turned: Morgan Geyser police interrogation; Anissa Weier police interrogation.
“I’m sorry,” Morgan said: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
“stab crazy”: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
“I thought it was like”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“All I heard was screaming”: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
“I doubt it”: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
“I lied,” she later confessed: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
Anissa was stung: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
So they walked instead: Morgan Geyser police interrogation; Anissa Weier police interrogation.
After finishing the race: Greg Steinberg statement from police report.
Hours later, a K-9 unit: K-9 unit handler report.
“911, what’s the address”: 911 call recording.
“a very inappropriate message”: Officer Dan Klein interview, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
He arrived at the scene: Officer Dan Klein incident report from police report.
Had Bella been stabbed: Ibid.; Detective Michelle Trussoni incident report from police report.
Stacie heard a nurse say: Stacie Leutner interview, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
“He said that they were looking”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
“I want everything I own”: Evidence records from police report.
Physical descriptions: Incident reports from police report.
As one Waukesha resident: 20/20, “The Wicked.”
They thought they might: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Morgan recited “some weird poem”: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
Were Morgan’s and Anissa’s faces: Morgan Geyser police interrogation.
Morgan peeled off: Ibid.
Anissa decided Morgan “needed”: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
One of the drivers phoned: Witness statements from police report.
she suffered what she: Anissa Weier police interrogation.
They had seen hawks: Ibid.
“Hands!” a police officer yelled: Arresting officers incident reports from police report.
“They listened very well”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
“I’m Anissa, and I”: Police incident reports of the arrest.
Surveying the dark: Arresting officers incident reports from police report.
As they drove: Angie Geyser interviews; reports from officers involved in the search detailing the manner of the search from police report.
“I know the devil’s”: Beware the Slenderman, directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (HBO Documentary Films, 2016).
Instead, the Geysers: Reports from officers involved in the search detailing the manner of the search from police report.
“some of these items”: Officer Klein incident report from police report.
As Casey later explained: Detective Casey interview, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
In Wisconsin it was legal: Jessica Glenza, “The Wisconsin Girls, Miranda Rights and Minors: A Blind Spot in US Law,” The Guardian, June 4, 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/jun/04/wisconsin-girls-stabbing-miranda-rights-minors-us-law.
In the precinct lobby: Author’s firsthand experience.
Angie pushed her uneasiness: Angie Geyser interviews.
In interrogation room #144: All information about the interrogations in this chapter is drawn directly from the videotaped interrogations of Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser. Descriptions of the parties involved and their emotional state are drawn from their manner and tone, as seen in the interrogation videos.
She had woken that day: The details of Trussoni’s day are taken from her written incident report. Her description of them is taken from her interview in 20/20, “The Wicked.”
“Maybe this was all about”: Detective Trussoni interview, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
She left the room: Interrogation reports from police report.
Thinking back on that moment: Detective Trussoni interview, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
Had a psychologist: “Schizophrenia,” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia.
Seven years earlier: Karen J. Mathis, “American Bar Association: Adult Justice System Is the Wrong Answer for Most Juveniles,” American Journal of Preventive Medicine 32, no. S4 (Apr. 2007): S1–2.
the only state in the nation: “Diploma Privilege,” https://law.wisc.edu/current/diploma_privilege/.
From her bedroom, police: Copies of drawings and notes found in Morgan Geyser’s belongings from police report.
Later, Morgan would tell the press: Morgan Geyser interviews.
In years to come, her family: Angie Geyser interviews.
Casey’s nickname: Sarah Millard, “Waukesha Police Department Promotes Officer to Detective,” Patch, January 24, 2012, https://patch.com/wisconsin/waukesha/waukesha-police-department-promotes-officer-to-detective.
The completed account: Detective Trussoni interrogation report from police report.
The detectives would later explain: Detectives Trussoni and Casey interviews, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
In later interviews, Casey: Angie Geyser interviews.
“I currently live at”: Morgan Geyser’s written and signed confession from police report.
“Stop being serious”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier, Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
The van continued down: Google Maps directions.
a concrete cubist structure: Google Maps street view.
The population of juveniles at Washington: Information given to author via phone from staff (they would not give their name) at Washington County Jail.
On the night of May 31, 2014: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript (6/17–6/18/15).
Morgan was unable to remember: Morgan Geyser interviews.
On the morning of Sunday: Tony Cotton interviews.
According to sociologists: “Divided We Stand: Three Psychological Regions of the United State and Their Political, Economic, Social, and Health Correlates,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 105, no. 6 (2013): 996–1012, https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/psp-a0034434.pdf.
Billy Brookes, a middle-aged: Tony Cotton interviews. Case facts of the Billy Brookes case were confirmed with the county clerk’s office.
Billy never returned to prison: Wisconsin inmate records; Billy Brookes obituary.
Tony didn’t recognize: Tony Cotton interviews.
So Angie and Matt had spent: Angie Geyser interviews.
She told Matt and Angie: Angie Geyser interview (12/22/17).
According to his legal profile: “Anthony Cotton,” Kuchler & Cotton S.C., https://kuchlercotton.com/attorneys/anthony-cotton/.
But Angie’s stepdad, Bob: Bob and Dianna Niesen interviews.
Angie heard herself say: Angie Geyser interview (2016).
But Tony brushed aside: Tony Cotton interviews.
“Whenever two trains meet”: John Heiderscheidt, “Out of Order,” Marquette Wire, February 21, 2006, https://marquettewire.org/2625345/tribune/viewpoints/out-of-order-22.
In years to come, hunting licenses: Paul A. Smith, “10 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Licenses Sold to Infants under New Law,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, November 28, 2017, https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/outdoors/2017/11/28/10-wisconsin-deer-hunting-licenses-sold-infants-under-new-law/901994001.
Like other U.S. states: John Dilulio Jr., “The Coming of the SuperPredators,” Weekly Standard, November 27, 1995.
At the time, the juvenile court system: Joan McCord, Cathy Spatz Widom, and Nancy A. Crowell, eds., Juvenile Crime, Juvenile Justice (Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 2001).
New York University Law Review: Lara A. Bazelon, “Exploding the Superpredator Myth: Why Infancy Is the Preadolescent’s Best Defense in Juvenile Court,” New York University Law Review 75, no. 1 (Apr. 2000): 159–98.
“His prediction wasn’t just wrong”: Elizabeth Becker, “As Ex-Theorist on Young ‘Superpredators,’ Bush Aide Has Regrets,” New York Times, February 9, 2001, https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/09/us/as-ex-theorist-on-young-superpredators-bush-aide-has-regrets.html.
A 2008 Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau: Breann Boggs et al., Treatment of Juveniles in the Wisconsin Criminal Court System: An Analysis of Potential Alternatives, La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Spring 2008.
“If you put young people”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“John J. Dilulio Jr. conceded today”: Becker, “As Ex-Theorist on Young ‘Superpredators,’ Bush Aide Has Regrets.”
“We spend a lot of time”: Marsha Levick interviews.
As of 2007, Black children: Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance, Disproportionate Minority Contact: An Analysis of Brown, Dane, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, and Rock Counties, 2002–2005, April 2007 (Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing exhibit).
“Initially, the state prisons”: Crazy, Not Insane, directed by Alex Gibney (HBO Documentary Films, 2020).
“So, what are you talking about”: Marcy Mistrett interview.
When Tony informed Matt and Angie: Angie Geyser interviews.
Tony was uninterested in debating: Tony Cotton interviews.
Officer Shelley Grunke discussed: Morgan Geyser pretrial hearing (2/17/15).
And while other juveniles: Breann Boggs et al., Treatment of Juveniles in the Wisconsin Criminal Court System: An Analysis of Potential Alternatives, La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Spring 2008.
“Morgan is 12 years old”: Motion to require Waukesha Health and Human Services “to evaluate and determine appropriate services for Morgan as though she were currently in the juvenile court system” (5/5/15).
correctional officers watched: Deborah Collins testimony, Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript (6/17–6/18/15).
made her hands into “cat claws”: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript (6/17–6/18/15).
Stacie and Joe kept: Joe Leutner victim impact statement (2/1/18).
Inside the courthouse, emergency: News footage showing the interior of the courthouse.
But Stacie could not meet Angie’s eye: Angie Geyser interviews.
“I was angry for a long time”: Stacie Leutner interview in ABC’s 20/20, “The Wicked.”
As the chains caught: Morgan Geyser interview (4/4/18).
Each cell had a toilet: Ibid.
Lead prosecutor Ted Szczupakiewicz: Tony Cotton interviews.
During cross-examination: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
later, Tony would send: Angie Geyser interviews.
From the pews: Bob and Dianna Niesen interviews.
Tony was aware that Anissa’s: Tony Cotton interviews.
while Bill Weier stormed out: News segment from TMJ4 including footage of the press conference.
That afternoon, Horning Middle School: Raquel Rutledge, “‘Sadistic’ Waukesha Stabbing Stuns Parents, Children,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 2, 2014, http://archive.jsonline.com/news/crime/in-wake-of-waukesha-stabbing-my-hearts-just-beating-b99283130z1-261607501.html.
After Morgan’s bail hearing: Angie Geyser interviews.
But Matt turned away: Ibid.
The next morning: Angie Geyser interviews; Detective Casey’s report of the visit in police reports.
She remembered wanting to: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
“Revealed,” read the Daily Mail headline: Will Payne, “Revealed: Father of Girl, 12, Who Stabbed ‘School Friend 19 Times to Prove Slender Man Myth Was Real’ Proudly Shared Her Sketch of Horror Creature on His ‘DEADBOY’ Instagram,” Daily Mail, June 3, 2014, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2647489/Father-girl-12-stabbed-school-friend-19-times-prove-Slender-Man-myth-real-proudly-shared-sketch-horror-creature-DEADBOY-Instagram-filled-skulls.html.
In 1980, a Canadian psychiatrist: “Lawrence Pazder,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Pazder.
By the 1990s, a decade or so: “Satanic Panic,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanic_panic.
In 1995, the New York Daily News: Laura A. Fahrenthold, “Cop Beats the Devil: NYPD Officer Is Exorcist by Night,” New York Daily News, March 20, 1995, https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/beats-devil-nypd-officer-exorcist-night-article-1.688335.
Quinones had also self-published: Marcus Quinones, Satan: An Intelligence Report (Enumclaw, WA: Pleasant Word, 2010).
Wondering if Matt was a satanist: Copies of warrants served to Instagram for Matt Geyser’s social media records from police report.
Police Chief Russell Jack held another: Footage of press conference.
Creepypasta web administrators: Jamie Seidel, “A Brutal Stabbing Attack by Pre-Teens Obsessed with the Slenderman Puts Spotlight Back on the Popular Culture of Horror Stories,” News.com.au, June 4, 2014, https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/a-brutal-stabbing-attack-by-preteens-obsessed-with-the-slenderman-puts-spotlight-back-on-the-popular-culture-of-horror-stories/news-story/bc875cbcf8f27e8767462d176c8c126a.
A New York Times op-ed: Anna North, “Struggling to Understand ‘Slenderman,’” Op-Talk (blog), New York Times, June 6, 2014, https://op-talk.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/06/struggling-to-understand-slender-man.
In 1977, fifteen-year-old Ronny Zamora: Diane Rado, Bonnie Miller Rubin, and Quan Truong, “Wisconsin Stabbing: Violence Influenced by Fiction Nothing New,” Chicago Tribune, June 3, 2014, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/chi-wisconsin-stabbing-slender-man-20140603-story.html.
The crime was referred to: Ellen Gabler, “Charges Detail Waukesha Pre-Teens’ Attempt to Kill Classmate,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 2, 2014, http://archive.jsonline.com/news/crime/waukesha-police-2-12-year-old-girls-plotted-for-months-to-kill-friend-b99282655z1-261534171.html; Christina Palladino, “Principal Says Stabbing Suspects Were Good Students, No History of Bad Behavior,” WISN News, June 5, 2014, https://www.wisn.com/article/principal-says-stabbing-suspects-were-good-students-no-history-of-bad-behavior/6321747#.
“How did their parents not know”: Angie Geyser interviews.
“Possibly there are parents”: John Davidson, “Possibly there are parents to blame,” March 14, 2015, comment on the Toronto Star, “Slender Man Stabbing,” https://www.facebook.com/torontostar/posts/10153168984381151.
“The parents didn’t check”: Pommie Bears, “The parents didn’t check to see what the girls,” comment on “Anissa Weier Slender Man Trial Day 2 Part 2 Dr Melissa Westendorf Testifies,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0KoG1qd9ck; “Parenting, Parenting, Parenting,” comment on “Anissa Weier ‘Slender Man’ Trial Day 2 Part 1 Detectives and Psychologist Testify,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w86HoBfpEpc.
The hate mail rolled: Angie Geyser interviews.
throughout his three hundred interviews: Stephen Lyon interviews.
When asked why: Ibid.
“You don’t look at their”: Dallas Franklin, “Prosecutor Weighs In on 12-Year-Old Girls Charged as Adults,” Oklahoma News 4, June 4, 2014, https://kfor.com/news/prosecutor-weighs-in-on-12-year-old-girls-charged-as-adults.
“Middle school sucks”: Kathleen Hale, “What Wisconsin’s Teenage Girls Think About the Slender Man Stabbing,” Vice, July 7, 2014, https://www.vice.com/sv/article/5gkeyn/what-wisconsins-teenage-girls-think-about-the-slenderman-stabbing-666.
Meanwhile, at Waukesha Memorial Hospital: Joe Leutner victim impact statement (2/1/18); Stacie Leutner statements in police report.
When Morgan called home from jail: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
“I think she was still afraid”: Angie Geyser interviews.
“Morgan,” Angie said: Ibid.
Tony quickly hired experts: Tony Cotton interviews; Angie Geyser interviews.
when asked which famous criminal: Dr. Kenneth Robbins interview (4/13/18).
and when doctors assumed: Morgan Geyser pretrial hearing (2/17/15).
When asked about her crime: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript (6/17–6/18/15).
Already, her pediatric records: Detective Casey follow-up report from police report.
Medical bills were piling: Joe Leutner victim impact statement (2/1/18).
Surgeons had opened: Incident report from the police officer who was assigned to observe the surgeries.
Compared with other families: Joe and Stacie Leutner divorce records.
the Leutners created a charity page: Hearts for Healing Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HeartsForHealingWI.
She feared windows: Joe Leutner victim impact statement (2/1/18).
On the morning of June 6: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
“I thought it was really”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
Bella made a stabbing motion: Bella Leutner forensic interview from police report.
“excited to be out of the hospital”: Associated Press, “Family of 12-YearOld Wisconsin Girl Who Was Stabbed 19 Times Says She’s Out of the Hospital,” Fox News, June 6, 2014.
“Our family is extremely”: Stephanie Slifer, “‘Slenderman’ Linked to a Second Stabbing?,” CBS News, June 9, 2014, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/slenderman-link-to-a-second-stabbing-in-hamilton-county-ohio.
Stacie and Joe struggled: Joe Leutner victim impact statement (2/1/18).
a shrine to Bella: Author’s firsthand experience.
Janisch later testified: Morgan Geyser pretrial hearing (2/17/15).
Matt and Angie watched: Angie Geyser interviews.
The Leutners told local reporters: Kelley Robinson, “‘Slender Man’ Stabbing Survivor Says ‘Thank You’ in Newly Released Photographs,” ABC News, June 24, 2014, https://abcnews.go.com/US/slender-man-stabbing-victim-newly-released-photographs/story?id=24276555.
The Leutners posted a photograph: Hearts for Healing, “She wanted to say thank you,” 6/24/14, https://www.facebook.com/pg/HeartsForHealingWI/posts.
placed Anissa on suicide watch: Washington County Jail incident report, Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing exhibit.
“She didn’t receive”: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15).
“When you stab a knife”: Stephen Lyons interview (September 2017).
rumors circulated that the Honorable Michael O. Bohren: Tony Cotton interviews; Donna Kuchler interviews.
He had white hair: “Anissa Weier ‘Slender Man’ Trial Day 2 Part 1 Detectives and Psychologist Testify,” YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w86HoBfpEpc.
donated to the Milwaukee Repertory: Program for Milwaukee Repertory production of The Nerd.
On August 1, 2014, Bohren entered the courtroom: Morgan Geyser competency hearing (8/22/2014).
Doctors that day testified that Morgan: Morgan Geyser competency hearing (8/22/2014).
a degenerative illness: Kwame McKenzie, “How Does Untreated Psychosis Lead to Neurological Damage?,” Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 59, no. 10 (Oct. 2014): 511–2.
On the stand, Washington County: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
yoga was offered to her: Washington County Jail report, Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing exhibit.
“I’m not a professional doctor”: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
Bohren filed paperwork: Morgan Geyser commitment order.
Founded in 1870: Winnebago Mental Health Institute history museum.
The unmarked plots were soggy sinkholes: Author’s firsthand experience.
Prior to the late 1970s: Winnebago Mental Health Institute history museum.
In 1965, Robert Kennedy: Benjamin Weiser, “Beatings, Burns and Betrayal: The Willowbrook Scandal’s Legacy,” New York Times, February 21, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/21/nyregion/willowbrook-state-school-staten-island.html.
In 1972, Geraldo Rivera: Ibid.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest film Wikipedia page, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Flew_Over_the_Cuckoo%27s_Nest_(film).
“It was a couple things”: Dr. Ken Robbins testimony at Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing.
In the United States, adults: Gabriel Mac, “When ‘Not Guilty’ Is a Life Sentence,” New York Times, September 27, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/27/magazine/when-not-guilty-is-a-life-sentence.html.
Robbins concluded, “It hasn’t”: Dr. Ken Robbins interview (4/13/18).
Winnebago Institute’s last superintendent: Winnebago Mental Health Institute history museum.
By 2014, the patient population: Winnebago Mental Health Institute job postings, public salary information, employment reviews by Winnebago employees, Morgan Geyser interviews, interviews with former residents of Winnebago.
He was once seen stopping: Winnebago visitor interviews.
Kempster Hall, sat abandoned: Interview with Winnebago Institute volunteer coordinator.
When state officials arrived unannounced: Rory Linnane, “After Three Fails, State Mental Hospital Facility Passes Inspection, Still Short on Staff,” Post Crescent, October 10, 2018, https://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/2018/10/01/winnebago-mental-health-institute-passes-inspection-after-three-fails/1456175002.
Between the years 2005 and 2006: “3 Die, 1 Raped in 2 Years at Winnebago Mental Health Institute,” Pioneer Press, September 2, 2007, https://www.twincities.com/2007/09/02/3-die-1-raped-in-2-years-at-winnebago-mental-health-institute/.
Years later, a patient struck his head: Linnane, “After Three Fails, State Mental Hospital Facility Passes Inspection, Still Short on Staff”; Sarah Thomsen, “No Criminal Charges Against Doctor in Winnebago Mental Health Patient Death,” Wbay.com, https://www.wbay.com/content/news/No-criminal-charges-against-doctor-in-Winnebago-Mental-Health-patient-death-482834941.html.
Limited surveillance of the surrounding property: Author’s firsthand experience.
As the youngest patient: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Log Cabin supervisors prohibited patients: Interview with Log Cabin Gift Shop volunteer.
Such as a wooden chair: Author’s firsthand experience from Winnebago gift shop.
When asked how she might feel: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
“I like seeing things”: Ibid.
listening to the radio: Letter to the author from Morgan Geyser.
Winnebago staff noted: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
“When we would visit her”: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
When her grandparents visited: Bob and Dianna Niesen interviews.
But when they reached: Angie Geyser interviews.
Neuroscientists have found: Michael S. Ritsner, ed., Handbook of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Volumes I and II (Berlin: Springer, 2011).
Since Morgan had not been found: Angie Geyser interviews.
When asked how withholding: Stephanie Brandt interview (9/25/17).
Dr. Deborah Collins, who evaluated: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
Governor Scott Walker issued: “‘Purple Hearts for Healing Day’ Wednesday in Honor of Waukesha Girl,” News 8000, August 13, 2014, https://www.news8000.com/purple-hearts-for-healing-day-wednesday-in-honor-of-waukesha-girl/#:∼:text=12%2Dyear%2Dold%20survived%20being%20stabbed%2019%20times%20in%20May&text=MADISON%2C%20Wis.,who%20was%20stabbed%2019%20times.
“Anissa sobbed trying”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
She started swearing: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15).
Anissa turned thirteen, she received: Washington County Jail incident report, Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing exhibit.
But in her core, Anissa trusted: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf report), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“Human beings that we are”: The Most Dangerous Animal of All, aired May 6, 2020, on FX.
At Winnebago, the unmedicated: Morgan Geyser interviews; Angie Geyser interviews.
Asked doctors if she could see their toenails: Morgan Geyser interviews.
doctors described her behavior: Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier bail modification hearing transcript (4/24/16).
“Legal competence was”: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
Dr. Casimir called the decision not to: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
But after declaring her competent: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
“In this psychiatrist’s opinion”: Court hearing testimony (3/9/15).
The highway from Winnebago: Author’s firsthand experience.
Guards assured Morgan: Morgan Geyser interviews.
she had managed to climb the social hierarchy: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript.
In solidarity with Anissa: Angie Geyser interviews.
Lacking access to scissors: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
As Christmas approached: Bob and Dianna Niesen interviews.
Waukesha police arrested him: Police bodycam videos of Tony Cotton’s arrest.
When news of Tony’s: Morgan Geyser interview.
Outside, temperatures hovered: “Climate Winter—Wisconsin,” U.S. Climate Data, https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/winter/wisconsin/united-states/uswi0755.
Tony filed motion after motion: Record of motions in Morgan Geyser’s case.
But Tony knew that the longer: Tony Cotton interviews.
“I spoke with Anissa”: Washington County Jail incident report, Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing exhibit.
Alone in her cell, she sat watching the shadows: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Morgan wasn’t the only one: Morgan Geyser interview (3/8/18).
Every other day, she received: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
she tried to impress them by throwing: Morgan Geyser interviews.
and the interaction sparked: Morgan Geyser interviews; Angie Geyser interviews.
In Wisconsin: Wisconsin law chapter 938.
Tony and the Geysers had: Angie Geyser interviews; Bob and Dianna Niesen interviews; Tony Cotton interviews.
As Morgan’s grandpa Bob: Bob and Dianna Niesen interviews.
So Tony played his last card: Tony Cotton interviews.
In Wisconsin, attempted homicide cases: Prosecution’s brief (7/6/2015); Wisconsin law chapter 938.
Around 7:00 P.M., an officer unlocked: Washington County Jail incident report #15-001674, Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing exhibit.
On May 15, 2015: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
Morgan had started tearing: Morgan Geyser interviews.
When she asked Morgan if she missed: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
The two defense teams coordinated: Tony Cotton interviews.
To accommodate camera crews: Author’s firsthand experience.
“Anissa’s actions on May 31st”: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15).
prosecutors at Anissa’s: Ibid.
The waiting list for the prison’s: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15).
A family friend would later summarize: Beware the Slenderman, directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (HBO Documentary Films, 2016).
On day two of Anissa’s trial: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15).
In July 2014, she had received: Washington County Jail incident report #14-003731 (7/13/14), Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing exhibit.
In August 2014, she was charted: Washington County Jail incident report #14-004461 (8/16/14), Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing exhibit.
She was also punished for braiding: Washington County Jail incident report #14-006305 (11/22/14), Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing exhibit.
“What’s more concerning”: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15), p. 76.
Kavanaugh attributed Bill and Kristi: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15).
When Dr. Deborah Collins returned: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
Through the drive-through: Tony Cotton interviews.
“It’s hard to make”: Marsha Levick interview (11/12/20).
passing a sea of tough-on-crime bumper stickers: Author’s firsthand experience.
Morgan later recalled how: Morgan Geyser interview (4/18/21).
state prosecutors opened the hearing: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
echoed widespread belief among Wisconsin: Social media comments on the footage and press coverage of the hearing.
“The quicker it’s treated”: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
Next, Tony and Donna turned: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
“The reality that juveniles still struggle”: Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551 (2005).
“In Ms. Geyser’s case”: Morgan Geyser reverse waiver hearing transcript.
But Angie knew better: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
“For most of the last year, Morgan”: Memorandum from Morgan Geyser’s defense team (7/24/15).
“How do we, as a society”: State’s brief (7/27/15).
As an undergrad, Michael Bohren attended: Clippings from Ripon’s College Days newspaper available in the Ripon College archives.
Decades later: Beware the Slenderman, directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (HBO Documentary Films, 2016).
As Bohren had written in the Ripon newspaper College Days: Writings by Michael Bohren published in Ripon’s College Days newspaper.
“They were young”: Oral ruling transcript (8/10/15).
Following the hearing, Nick Bohr: WISN coverage of reverse waiver hearing.
In the days to come, Morgan’s defense team: Tony Cotton interviews; Bob and Dianna Niesen interviews.
When questioned by reporters: WISN coverage of reverse waiver hearing.
Waukesha was one of the most: 2016 presidential election results reported in the New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2016/results/wisconsin.
Local residents supported Judge Bohren’s: Social media comments on the press coverage of the hearing.
Recently, Tony had told her: Angie Geyser interviews.
She was losing the ability to read. She could not do basic math: Ibid.
“If she had a physical illness”: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
“For whatever reason”: Tony Cotton interviews.
Both Peter and Eric had aged out of the system: Morgan Geyser interviews.
So when another girl at Washington County: Angie Geyser interviews.
119 comments unfurled: Comments were pulled directly from FOX6 News online news clips.
On October 8, 2015: Santander Consumer USA Inc. v. Kristi L. Weier, Case No. 15-SC-4040. Filed in Circuit Court December 1, 2015.
Every day, Anissa felt guiltier: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Angie did not want to speak ill of Judge Bohren: Angie Geyser interviews.
Tony explained that he: Tony Cotton interviews.
Doctors started her on: Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier bail modification hearing transcript (4/24/16).
But by early February: Ibid.
Until then, psychosis had masked: Angie Geyser interview (2/3/18).
Almost two years after she committed her crime: Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier bail modification hearing transcript (4/24/16).
The antipsychotics killed Sev and next Voldie: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Morgan’s memory of the stabbing was foggy: Angie Geyser interviews; Morgan Geyser interviews.
But for Morgan, they had been: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Morgan’s and Anissa’s parents agreed: Beware the Slenderman, directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (HBO Documentary Films, 2016).
On March 23, 2016, three months: Angie Geyser interview (9/29/17).
Surveys showed that: Dr. Van Rybroek testimony, Anissa Weier trial transcript (9/14/17).
“As of right now, I’ve”: Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier bail modification hearing transcript (4/24/16).
Tony also reminded Bohren that Morgan: Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier bail modification hearing transcript (4/24/16).
both of them feeling depressed: Morgan Geyser interviews; Washington County Jail incident reports.
“sort of wanted to die”: Washington County Jail incident report (April 2016).
In response, Anissa “got smocked”: Description of “smocking” comes from Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
Anissa later recalled how she had sat alone: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Morgan wanted to kill herself, too: Morgan Geyser interviews.
As with Anissa, Morgan: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
“She would sit”: Angie Geyser interview (9/29/17).
After Morgan’s suicide attempt: Angie Geyser interviews.
Tuesdays was music appreciation: Morgan Geyser interview (3/29/18).
On Friday, therapy dogs: Morgan Geyser interview (4/21/18).
When Morgan told her mom: Angie Geyser interview (9/19/17).
When she felt like breaking down: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“one of the most well-behaved”: Anissa Weier reverse waiver hearing transcript (5/26–5/27/15).
Morgan began to hate herself: Angie Geyser interviews; Morgan Geyser interviews.
“I’m not pretty”: Morgan Geyser interviews.
“Two years ago today Payton’s”: Purple Hearts for Healing, “Two years ago today Payton’s life was forever changed,” 5/21/16, https://www.facebook.com/pg/HeartsForHealingWI/posts.
Anissa met with: Danielle Weber, qtd. in psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Weber would describe Anissa: Danielle Weber, qtd. in psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Anissa shared with Weber that she felt that: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
This fit with Dr. Caldwell’s observation in previous interviews: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Caldwell), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Kristi had fired back by accusing Anissa of ruining Mother’s Day: Ibid.
Based on her two years: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
In jail school, Anissa informed her teacher: Anissa Geyser reverse waiver hearing (5/26/2015).
“The disorder is quite rare”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Westendorf), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Recently, an angry driver: Tony Cotton interviews.
“volunteered her perspective”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
Anissa had recently been “convinced”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts.
“The intense relationship”: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
At Winnebago, doctors noted: Morgan Geyser sentencing hearing (2/1/18).
After her medication was switched from Abilify to Haldol: Morgan Geyser disposition hearing (2/1/18).
during her time in Petersik Hall, her only: Morgan Geyser disposition hearing (2/1/18).
Dr. Robbins lamented: Ibid.
She remembered the good times with Bella. She cried: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Judge Bohren had refused to sequester: Hearing on motion to sequester (7/10/17).
“What a wicked web”: Defense opening statement, Anissa Weier trial courtroom video (9/12/17).
“She would read books”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
In Van Rybroek’s opinion: Psychiatric evaluation reports of Anissa Weier (Dr. Van Rybroek), Anissa Weier trial exhibits.
“Does a child behave”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
“I believe that she was”: Detective Casey interrogation report from police report.
In a televised interview: Detective Casey interview, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
A forensic psychologist offered: Dr. Melissa Westendorf interview, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
“They made mistakes that day”: Bob and Dianna Niesen interviews.
He told Anissa’s lawyers: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/12/17).
“She has a demonic force”: Comments from “Live: Proceedings Continue in the Anissa Weier / Slender Man Trial” (livestream), WISN 12 News, September 12, 2017, https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=10159411599685284&ref=search; “Watch: Testimony Continues in the Slenderman Stabbing Trial” (livestream), Fox6 News, September 13, 2017, https://www.facebook.com/fox6news/videos/10155136763091523.
“For the sake of argument”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/14/17).
As the Leutners’ rep, Stephen Lyons: Stephen Lyons interviews.
“Horrible? Yes”: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (9/15/17).
Bohren read the verdict: Courtroom footage of Anissa Weier trial.
“I was in tears”: Angie Geyser interview (9/29/17).
“Is anyone sane who tries”: Stephen Lyons statement (10/6/17).
For now he dispatched the jury: Anissa Weier trial transcript.
“We call it the club”: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
Angie’s new friend Hillary*: “Hillary” interviews.
Ruth, whose adult son Levi: Ruth interviews.
While Matt cried: Angie Geyser interviews.
On September 26, 2017: Angie Geyser interview (9/29/17).
fifteen-year-old Morgan entered: Author’s firsthand experience.
Earlier that day, Morgan’s parents: Court timeline of proceedings.
“Traumatizing [Bella] further”: Stephen Lyons statement (12/20/17).
Bohren told the court that he would: Court timeline of proceedings.
“Though we do not believe that an institution”: Leutner family statement qtd. in Ivan Moreno, “Prosecutors: Keep Slender Man Attacker in Hospital 40 Years,” WBAY, https://www.wbay.com/content/news/Plea-deal-in-Wisconsin-Slender-Man-stabbing-being-finalized-449569853.html
Angie couldn’t help but think that: Angie Geyser interviews.
“It’s a sad story”: Stephen Lyons statement (10/6/17).
“I want to come with you, Mommy”: Angie Geyser interviews.
“At the police station, James signed”: Gabriel Mac, “When ‘Not Guilty’ Is a Life Sentence,” New York Times, September 27, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/27/magazine/when-not-guilty-is-a-life-sentence.html.
“I can’t wait to not”: Angie Geyser interview (9/29/17).
“I can’t rescue who I want”: Angie Geyser interview (9/21/17).
Bella’s family and friends wore: Author’s firsthand experience.
“You’re 15 years old, true?”: Morgan Geyser hearing transcript (10/5/17).
She started to cry: Author’s firsthand experience.
“I’d like you to tell me”: Morgan Geyser hearing transcript (10/5/17).
“She was retelling things”: Angie Geyser interview (10/6/17).
“The idea of having her recount”: Marsha Levick interview (10/9/17).
“Well,” Bohren concluded finally: Morgan Geyser hearing transcript (10/5/17).
In 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court: Megan Testa and Sara G. West, “Civil Commitment in the United States,” Psychiatry (Edgmont) 7, no. 10 (Oct. 2010): 30–40.
Morgan’s doctors were prepared: Morgan Geyser hearing transcript (10/5/17).
It proved difficult for the institute to attract: Morgan Geyser interviews, Angie Geyser interviews.
convicted pedophiles: The online sex-offender registry shows that 10 percent of Wisconsin’s overall population of sex criminals live in this county.
Winnebago had jerry-rigged a “school”: Morgan Geyser interviews; Angie Geyser interviews.
“The state believes that”: Anissa Weier disposition hearing (12/21/17).
In response, Maura McMahon: Anissa Weier disposition hearing (12/21/17).
McMahon reminded the court: Anissa Weier disposition hearing (12/21/17).
During a recent psych evaluation: Anissa Weier trial transcripts (p. 190).
“That’s a game, in some respects”: Anissa Weier disposition hearing (12/21/17).
“After spending twenty-five years”: Kristi Weier statement to the press (1/31/18).
Angie knelt on the carpet: Angie Geyser interviews.
In Gordon Hall, according to doctors’ notes: Morgan Geyser sentencing hearing transcript (2/1/18).
quickly developing what she described: Morgan Geyser interviews.
“Shadows encase me”: Writing by Morgan Geyser.
Knowing that her conversation: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Brushing the matter aside for now: Morgan Geyser sentencing hearing transcript (2/1/18).
“I want to be a writer”: Morgan Geyser sentencing hearing transcript (2/1/18).
Her favorite key was backspace: Morgan Geyser interviews.
she felt self-conscious: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Stacie entered the courtroom and joined: Author’s firsthand experience.
Soon, they would divorce: Joe and Stacie Leutner divorce records.
Stacie asked: Author’s firsthand experience.
The night before, patients: Morgan Geyser interviews.
When Morgan entered the courtroom: Author’s firsthand experience.
But Lundbohm said that “ideally”: Morgan Geyser disposition hearing transcript.
Tony seemed shocked by Lundbohm’s: Author’s firsthand experience.
During his questioning of Lundbohm: Morgan Geyser disposition hearing transcript.
At this, Morgan, who had not gone: Angie Geyser interview (2/3/18).
Before ending his video chat testimony: Morgan Geyser disposition hearing transcript.
“You’re not sentencing”: Ibid.
The Leutners displayed no emotion at all: Author’s firsthand experience.
Five years earlier, during a playdate: Morgan Geyser interviews.
“I just want Bella and her family”: Morgan Geyser disposition hearing transcript.
Angie caught Morgan’s eye and mouthed: Author’s firsthand experience.
“In looking at this case”: Morgan Geyser disposition hearing transcript.
on December 23, 2014: Case record of case #2014F001531.
“Now, as to the length”: Morgan Geyser disposition hearing transcript.
Morgan’s sentencing brought home: Angie Geyser interviews.
Marsha Levick called forty years “absurdly long”: Marsha Levick interviews.
Milwaukee attorney Frank Gimbel: Frank Gimbel interviews.
“He gave her forty years”: Alvin Eisenberg interview (2/12/18).
She thought of Bella attending: Morgan Geyser interviews.
At Winnebago, moments of the bizarre: The details of Morgan’s life in Winnebago are drawn from the most recent interviews with Morgan, many of which were conducted remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Satan’s behest, Katy had taken a plastic bag: “Mother Who Confessed to Suffocating Son, Placing Body in Cardboard Box Ordered Committed,” FOX6, December 13, 2017, https://www.fox6now.com/news/mother-who-confessed-to-suffocating-son-placing-body-in-cardboard-box-ordered-committed.
although Anissa’s disciplinary record: Christopher Kuhagen, “Anissa Weier, One of the Women in the Slender Man Stabbing, Should Be Released from a State Mental Hospital, Her Attorneys Say,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 15, 2021, https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/waukesha/news/waukesha/2021/04/15/slender-man-stabbing-anissa-weier-should-released-attorneys-say/7236515002.
But now, as the two drew closer: Angie Geyser interview (3/15/19).
In October 2019, Bella sat down: Bella Leutner interview, 20/20, “The Wicked.”
In July 2020, Payton Leutner graduated high school: Author’s firsthand experience via livestream of the graduation ceremony.
Three doctors planned to testify in her favor: Anissa Weier release hearing transcript (7/1/21).
Bohren summarized its contents: Anissa Weier release hearing transcript (7/1/21).
“As we were told repeatedly”: District attorney statement by ADA Kevin M. Osborne, case #2014CF000597, document 546 (3/26/21), Anissa Weier release hearing exhibit.
“there has not been one episode”: Letter from Anissa Weier’s attorneys, case #2014CF000597, document 554 (filed 4/9/21), Anissa Weier release hearing exhibit.
In his letter to the court, Bill Weier: Anissa Weier release hearing transcript (7/1/21).
“I hate my actions”: Letter from Anissa Weier, case #2014CF000597, document 535 (3/10/21), Anissa Weier release hearing exhibit.
“The drama of the case”: Anissa Weier release hearing transcript (7/1/21).
Morgan couldn’t help but feel: Morgan Geyser interview (8/2/21).
Although treatment options for: Nora S. Vyas and Nitin Gogtay, “Treatment of Early Onset Schizophrenia: Recent Trends, Challenges, and Future Considerations,” Frontiers in Psychiatry, April 2, 2012, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2012.00029/full.
Even with medication, it was hard to predict: Dr. Robbins interview (10/18/21).
Abaddon: Morgan Geyser interviews.
called him a “coping skill,” venturing: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Vaccines for COVID-19: Morgan Geyser interviews.
“I can’t talk about things that aren’t real to me, Morgan”: Morgan Geyser interview (July 2021).
About a week later, Abaddon went missing: Morgan Geyser interviews.
Part of Tony wondered: Tony Cotton interviews.
One day, during his river run, Tony: Tony Cotton interview (6/23/20).
it restored her sense of agency: Morgan Geyser interviews.
“Is she okay?”: Morgan Geyser interview (8/2/21).
“We’re grown-ups now”: Morgan Geyser interview (5/15/20).