Morgan Geyser, who was sentenced to 40 years in a mental health institution for her involvement in a 2014 attempted murder, was initially approved for discharge in January. However, her release has since faced hurdles due to concerns raised by state health officials about her reading materials and a specific visitor.

In January, Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren ruled in favor of Geyser’s release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. This decision followed a comprehensive evaluation indicating that the 22-year-old no longer posed a safety risk. Despite the approval, her discharge was postponed after state health officials expressed concerns over certain books she had read and her communication with a recurring visitor.

State officials highlighted that Geyser had access to the novel Rent Boy, which includes themes of sex, murder, and an organ theft ring. They asserted that her choice of literature could be viewed as red flags regarding her mental health status. Waukesha County Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie pointed out that these issues contributed to ongoing safety concerns.

Additionally, it was reported that Geyser had been in contact with a collector of murder memorabilia, from whom she sent sketches of decapitated bodies. Allegations also arose regarding her expressed interest in pursuing an intimate relationship with him, which further complicated her release process.

In response to the concerns, Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, argued that she is not more dangerous now than she was at the time of her verdict. He contended that staff at the mental health facility had permitted access to Rent Boy and other biographies that Geyser enjoyed. Cotton also noted that Geyser ceased communication with the memorabilia collector when she found out he was selling the items she sent him, emphasizing that her prior interactions occurred under specific circumstances.

In a ruling made earlier this year, Judge Bohren designated that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services would oversee the conditions of Geyser’s release, which includes placement in a group home with supervised conditions. However, her request for release was denied in April 2024, leading her to seek reconsideration in October of the same year. Previous petitions for release had also been turned down due to potential risks of self-harm or harm to others, linked to incidents where Geyser allegedly attempted suicide in 2021 and discontinued her antipsychotic medications in 2022.

Despite the setbacks, Judge Bohren noted that Geyser has shown progress in addressing her mental health issues. He expressed agreement with expert evaluations that suggest she has a positive attitude and is making strides in her recovery. The implications of Geyser’s case continue to develop as legal and health authorities navigate the complexities of her supervised release.