True Crime Vault: Slender Man Attackers
Podcast: 20/20 by ABC News
Release Date: April 26, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "True Crime Vault: Slender Man Attackers," ABC News' 20/20 delves into one of the most haunting true crime cases of the early 21st century. Released on April 26, 2025, this episode explores the tragic events that unfolded in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where two 12-year-old girls attempted to murder their friend under the influence of a fictional internet character, Slenderman. The story not only examines the horrifying act itself but also the profound and lasting impact on the families involved.

The Birthday Sleepover Tragedy

The narrative begins on a seemingly ordinary Friday night in Waukesha, where three young girls—Peyton Leitner, Morgan Geyser, and Anissa Weier—gathered for a birthday sleepover at Skateland. What was intended to be a night of fun turned into a nightmare that would forever scar three families.

At 01:20, Morgan Geyser admits, "We were trying to kill her," revealing the chilling intent behind the attack on Peyton. The motive? An obsession with Slenderman, a fictional horror entity perpetuated by online lore. Anissa Weier further explains at 01:38 the characteristics of Slenderman: "He can be anywhere from 6ft to 14ft tall. He constantly wears a suit. He doesn't have a face, his skin is white. He can exploit these tendrils from his back and like strangle his victims." This delusion led the girls to believe that the murder was a necessary sacrifice to earn a place in Slenderman's mansion.

Aftermath and Family Devastation

The immediate aftermath was swift and devastating. Peyton Leitner survived the attack, having been stabbed 19 times, while Morgan and Anissa disappeared, sparking a massive search effort. Peyton's survival became a central point of the investigation, but the psychological scars were immense.

At 02:48, Peyton’s mother shares her immediate fear: "A 12 year old girl is stabbed." The families endured months of anguish as Morgan and Anissa remained in juvenile detention facilities, far longer than typical for their age. Anissa's mother, Christy Weier, expresses the pain of separation: "I can't wipe away a tear. I can't give her a hug. I can't kiss her." This prolonged detention significantly strained the already fragile family dynamics.

The Investigation and Rescue

The investigation took a critical turn when Peyton was found by motorist Greg Steinberg, who discovered her severely injured in the woods. At 07:33, Steinberg recounts the moment: "She says to you, what? Could you help me, please? I've been stabbed multiple times." Peyton’s mother, Stacy Leitner, vividly describes the horror of seeing her daughter covered in wounds: "Her arms and her legs and her abdomen, they were covered in stab wounds."

Meanwhile, Morgan and Anissa were eventually located at the side of Interstate 94, where authorities found evidence of their plot, including a bloody knife in their possession. Lieutenant Tom Moorman confronts the girls, leading to their arrest and further unraveling of their motives.

Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Evaluations

Facing charges of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier were processed as adults due to Wisconsin law, leading to intense legal battles. The podcast provides a deep dive into their mental health struggles, revealing that Morgan was diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia and Anissa with a shared psychotic disorder—a rare condition where two individuals share the same delusional beliefs.

At 36:08, Anissa Weier's mother reflects on the unexpected nature of their daughters' mental illnesses: "I think that as she got older and she realized that, hey, maybe this isn't normal, that she did make a conscious effort to hide it. A lot of her hallucinations were friends to her and I don't think that she wanted to lose them."

Despite their age, the severity of their mental health issues complicated the legal process. Dr. Melissa Westendorf, a forensic psychologist, testified that their shared delusions made them incapable of understanding the wrongdoing of their actions, advocating for their non-criminal responsibility.

Parental Reflections and Societal Implications

The episode poignantly captures the anguish and self-reflection of the parents involved. Anissa's mother shares her sense of responsibility for not recognizing her daughter's deteriorating mental state: "I think on some level I'll always feel responsible for not knowing that my daughter wasn't well." Similarly, Morgan's mother grapples with the realization of her daughter's severe mental illness, emphasizing the challenges parents face in identifying and addressing such hidden struggles.

The podcast also raises critical questions about the criminal justice system's handling of juvenile offenders with mental health issues. Anissa's mother passionately argues, "I mean, to me it's unthinkable to try a 12 year old child as an adult, regardless of what they've done." This highlights the need for systemic changes to better support and rehabilitate young offenders rather than purely punitive measures.

Conclusion and Long-Term Impact

As the legal battles concluded, Anissa Weier was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and was committed to a state mental health facility for up to 25 years. Subsequently, Morgan Geyser pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was also committed to a mental health facility for up to 40 years. The families continue to heal, but the scars of that tragic night remain.

At 42:37, Peyton’s mother offers a message of resilience: "If you trust in your strength and believe in your resiliency, you will get through this." Peyton herself has thrived post-trauma, celebrating milestones like her 16th birthday with newfound strength and optimism.

The episode closes by illustrating the enduring trauma for the families and the community, emphasizing that while the physical scene of the crime has been dismantled, the emotional and psychological pain cannot be erased.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Morgan Geyser [01:20]: "We were trying to kill her."

• Anissa Weier [01:38]: "He can be anywhere from 6ft to 14ft tall. He constantly wears a suit. He doesn't have a face..."

• Peyton Leitner's Mother [08:34]: "Morgan didn't do this, there's no way that's..."

• Anissa Weier [37:35]: "What they had in common was the delusion about Slenderman."

• Anissa Weier's Mother [33:24]: "I'll always feel responsible for not knowing that my daughter wasn't well."

Final Thoughts

"True Crime Vault: Slender Man Attackers" offers a comprehensive and emotionally charged exploration of a case where internet lore tragically intersected with real-life violence. By focusing on the psychological dimensions and the profound impact on the families, the episode underscores the complex interplay between mental health, juvenile justice, and the influence of fictional narratives on vulnerable minds. For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of how fictional obsessions can lead to real-world tragedies, this episode serves as a sobering testament to the need for greater awareness and systemic support.