WARNING: This episode contains very disturbing and violent material. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode, we delve into a profoundly dark and complex story that has been on our minds for a long time. This is the Slender Man stabbing case, a tragic event that unfolded in 2014 and involved two individuals stabbing their friend.
In this episode:
- The Story Begins: We introduce the three 12-year-old individuals at the center of the tragedy: Morgan Geyser, who has since transitioned and is referred to with he/him pronouns; Anissa Weier; and their victim, Peyton Leutner. We also discuss Morgan's undiagnosed schizophrenia, his imaginary friends, and the signs that were missed by those around him.
- The Slender Man Mythos: We explore how Morgan's and Anissa's lives became consumed by the online phenomenon of Creepypasta and the fictional entity, the Slender Man.
- A Devastating Plan: We recount the events leading up to the attack, from the disturbing email exchanges between Morgan and Anissa to the day of Morgan's birthday party and the chilling plan to kill Peyton in the woods.
- Peyton’s Survival: We detail the brutal stabbing and the incredible resilience of Peyton, who against all odds, managed to survive and was found by a passing cyclist, leading to her life-saving rescue.
- The Legal Fallout: We cover the shocking legal decision to try the children as adults, the interrogations without a parent present, and the long, complex legal journey toward a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.
- Mental Health and The Media: We discuss Morgan's diagnosis of early-onset schizophrenia, the legal battle to get him life-saving medication, and the media's role in sensationalizing the story, often mislabeling the crime as a murder.
- A Different Kind of Justice: We explore the eventual outcomes of the case, including Anissa and Morgan's commitments to mental health institutions, their eventual conditional releases, and the ongoing court battles.
- Peyton's Resilience: We share Peyton’s inspiring story of recovery and resilience, from graduating high school to her pursuit of a career in medicine.
- Systemic Failures: The hosts offer their final reflections on the case, discussing the failures of the parents, the school system, and the legal system that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Book Reference: Slender Man: The Tragic Story of an Internet Meme, a Fictional Monster, and a Murder by Kathleen Hale
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Written by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens
Edited by Craig Brooks
Intro music by Leonell Cassio - The Paranormal Is Real (ft. Carrie)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
