Wisconsin DOC Staffer Fired After Slender Man Stabber Escapes Group Home

Morgan Geyser, convicted in the 2014 Slender Man attack, cut off her monitoring bracelet and fled a Madison group home before being arrested in Illinois.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:23pm

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The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has fired one employee and disciplined two others after Morgan Geyser, one of the individuals convicted in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing, cut off her monitoring bracelet and escaped from a group home in Madison. Geyser was later apprehended at an Illinois truck stop after taking a bus to Chicago.

Why it matters

The Slender Man stabbing case drew national attention, and Geyser's escape from state supervision raises concerns about the oversight and security measures in place for high-profile offenders. The incident has prompted an investigation into the Department of Corrections' response and adherence to policies.

The details

Three DOC employees involved in the response to Geyser's escape were placed on administrative leave and investigated. Two received unpaid suspensions, while the third was terminated. The DOC did not provide specifics on the investigations, but said they looked into the timeline of events, response times, and adherence to department policies.

  • On November 22, 2026, Geyser cut off her monitoring bracelet and left a Madison group home.
  • On November 23, 2026, Geyser was found and taken into custody at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois.
  • On December 23, 2026, a Waukesha County judge granted the state's request to revoke Geyser's conditional release, and she was ordered back to a state psychiatric hospital.

The players

Morgan Geyser

One of the individuals convicted in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing, who cut off her monitoring bracelet and escaped from a Madison group home.

Chad Mecca

A 43-year-old man who was taken into custody with Geyser at the Illinois truck stop and charged with criminal trespassing and providing false information to police.

Wisconsin Department of Corrections

The state agency responsible for overseeing Geyser's conditional release, which has faced scrutiny and personnel actions following her escape.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.