Crime House Daily: First Watch – Slender Man Stabber Escapes & “Last Chance U” Murder

Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Katie Ring

Episode Overview

In this First Watch episode, host Katie Ring delivers in-depth updates on two major newsmaking cases:

1. The Escaped “Slender Man” Stabber: Ten years after infamously stabbing a friend under the influence of an internet myth, Morgan Geyser (a trans man; he/him pronouns) escapes from his group home, drawing national attention back to the chilling 2014 case.
2. "Last Chance U" Murder: The tragic shooting of John Beam, beloved football coach and star of Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” shakes Oakland, with questions swirling about the shocking motive and the suspect’s connection to Beam.

The episode explores the details, context, and aftershocks of these headline-grabbing developments, with memorable accounts and insights from victims, community members, and law enforcement.

Case 1: “Slender Man Stabber” Morgan Geyser Escapes Custody

Case Background & Key Facts

• [04:38] Refresher on the Slender Man Case:
  • In 2014, 12-year-olds Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier stabbed their friend Peyton Leutner 19 times, believing it would please the fictional internet entity Slender Man.
  • Peyton survived after crawling to a road and being found by a cyclist.
  • Morgan was diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia and committed to a mental institution per a plea deal in 2017; Anissa received a shorter, similar sentence.
  • Morgan was released to a group home under strict supervision in January 2025.

The Escape

• [12:47] November 2025 Escape:

  • Morgan removes his ankle bracelet and leaves the group home.
  • Authorities discover he quickly bonded with another adult, Charlie Mecca.
  • Police find Morgan and Charlie sleeping outside a Chicago truck stop after a worker’s welfare check call.

• [15:50] Notable Quote (Morgan, post-arrest):

  “I did something really bad. She doesn’t know what I did. She doesn’t know my real name.”
  (Katie describes the confession that led police to uncover Morgan’s identity.)

Circumstances & Companions

• [17:00] Charlie Mecca’s Side:

  • Met Morgan at church; didn’t know his history at first.
  • Thought Morgan was mistreated at the group home and agreed to leave Wisconsin with him.
  • Authorities believe their intended destination was Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Charlie was released with a citation, Morgan faces potential return to a secure facility and/or new charges.

• [19:17] Legal Developments:

  • Wisconsin Department of Health Services requested recommendations on Morgan’s placement remain sealed.
  • Hearings delayed until after the holidays; possible further charges pending.

Analysis & Psychological Factors

• [10:41] On the Danger of Memes and Mental Health:

  “The scariest thing about Slender Man, and memes like him, was that many people seemed to have a really hard time separating fact from fiction. Plenty of kids thought he was real and could really be out to get them. That included Morgan and Anissa.” – Katie

• [11:23] Psychologist Testimony:

  • Shared delusions between Morgan and Anissa fueled their actions.
  • After separation, Morgan quickly developed a new attachment, suggesting ongoing struggles with reality and dependence.

Impact on Victim

• [21:47] Peyton Leutner’s Remarkable Recovery:

  “I would probably initially thank her just because of what she did. I have the life I have now. I really, really like it. And I have a plan.” – Peyton Leutner

  • Peyton attended college and pursues a medical career, inspired by her ordeal.

Case 2: Murder of Coach John Beam (“Last Chance U”)

Coach John Beam’s Legacy

• [23:00] John’s Background:

  • 45-year coaching career, mostly at Laney College in Oakland.
  • Starred in Netflix’s “Last Chance U” (Season 5, 2020), famous for championing at-risk athletes.
  • Retired as head coach in 2024, remained athletic director.

• [25:23] John’s Leadership & Safety Concerns:

  • Advocated for player safety after campus security reduced from armed deputies to only six unarmed guards.
  • Alarmed by recent break-ins and shootings on and around campus.

Events Leading Up to the Shooting

• [27:10] Final Days:
  • On November 13, 2025, John spoke out at a campus safety event about inadequate security.
  • The next day, he was gunned down in the field house on campus.

Investigation & Suspect

• [29:56] Timeline of Attack:

  • Shooter, later identified as Cedric Irving Jr., follows Beam into the field house and shoots him in the head.
  • Cedric flees via public transit; surveillance footage assists police.

• [31:10] Arrest & Motivation:

  • Cedric, 27, is arrested without resistance at a transit station; confesses to the shooting.
  • No criminal record; had once been a student in John’s class and played varsity football at Skyline High.

• [33:15] Possible Mental Health Issues:

  • Cedric made “bizarre comments” about Beam using witchcraft.
  • Investigators suspect mental illness factored into motive.

Aftermath & Community Response

• [34:38] Coach Beam’s Death:

  • John Beam dies at hospital the next morning.
  • Outpouring of grief from hundreds of former players, family, and community members.

• [36:02] Notable Quote – Damon Owens, Former Player:

  “John saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. But he also surrounded us with the necessary support in order to galvanize that potential and grow it.”
  (Katie, paraphrasing Owens at 36:02)

• [37:20] Legal Update:

  • Cedric Irving Jr. held without bail; arraignment set for December 16.
  • Possible sentence: 50 years to life; motive remains unclear.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Memes and Media Influence:

• “Many people seemed to have a really hard time separating fact from fiction. That included Morgan and Anissa.” – Katie [10:41]

On Victim Recovery:

• “I would probably initially thank her, just because of what she did. I have the life I have now.” – Peyton Leutner [21:47]

On John Beam’s Impact:

• “John saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself… support to galvanize that potential.” – Damon Owens [36:02]

On Campus Security:

• “Six total unarmed guards for four campuses... that just wasn’t cutting it.” – Katie, channeling John Beam’s views [28:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:38 – Slender Man Case Recap
• 12:47 – Morgan Geyser’s Escape
• 15:50 – Morgan’s Confession & Arrest
• 17:00 – Charlie Mecca’s Involvement
• 19:17 – Legal Status Update
• 21:47 – Peyton Leutner’s Reflections
• 23:00 – John Beam Background
• 25:23 – Campus Safety Issues
• 27:10 – Leadup to Shooting
• 29:56 – Timeline of Attack
• 31:10 – Suspect Profile: Cedric Irving Jr.
• 33:15 – Mental Health & Motive
• 34:38 – John Beam’s Death
• 36:02 – Player Tribute
• 37:20 – Legal Proceedings

Episode Tone & Takeaways

• Katie Ring’s narration is focused and empathetic, blending detailed reporting with thoughtful contextualization.
• The episode underscores how unresolved trauma and mental health shape extraordinary crimes and complicate the pursuit of justice and safety.
• Listeners are encouraged to follow Crime House Daily for updates as both cases remain active and developing.

For more:
Follow @crimehouse247 for real-time updates and further case developments.