In 2014, two twelve-year-old girls from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, lured their friend Payton Leutner into the woods and stabbed her nineteen times. Their motive? To appease Slenderman, a fictional internet entity they believed was real.
This episode explores the psychological descent of Morgan and Anissa, the dynamics between the three girls, the planning and execution of the attack, and the long road of recovery for Payton. Through careful research and sensitive storytelling, we examine how myth, mental illness, and isolation collided in one of the most disturbing juvenile cases in modern history.
Content Warning
This episode contains detailed discussion of violence involving minors, mental illness, attempted murder, and psychological trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised.
References & Sources Used
Court documents and trial coverage from the Waukesha County Circuit Court
HBO Documentary: Beware the Slenderman (2016) – directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky
ABC News, CNN, BBC, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporting on the case and trial
Interrogation footage released by Waukesha Police Department
Psychological evaluations and expert testimony referenced in trial transcripts
Public statements and interviews with Payton Leutner and her family, including her 2019 interview with 20/20
Academic commentary on shared delusional disorder and juvenile schizophrenia (e.g., Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
Archived creepypasta content and analysis of Slenderman’s origins from Something Awful and Know Your Meme
Wisconsin State Law regarding juvenile prosecution in adult court