Anissa Weier, Morgan Geyser both found competent to stand trial in stabbing case



WAUKESHA (WITI) — A Waukesha County judge said on Thursday, December 18th that two girls accused of stabbing a classmate to please the fantasy character Slenderman are both competent to stand trial.

Three psychiatrists agree Weier is very intelligent for her age. But can a 12-year-old girl who just turned 13 truly understand what a plea bargain is -- or other legal issues?

"She's very eager to please and she tries to use big words to impress people," said Dr. Anthony Jurek, who examined Weier. "She's charming, she's lovely to work with and she's cooperating with her attorney. But she has to have a better understanding of the ramifications of what goes on in the courtroom."

Weier and Geyser are accused of luring a friend into the woods and stabbing her 19 times this past May. The victim survived. The alleged attackers say they did it to impress Slenderman, a fictional character.

After four hours of psychiatric testimony, the judge ruled Weier competent. Her lawyer is happy for one thing -- the judge will let Weier write down words she doesn't understand for her lawyer to explain. She says it's been difficult for a child her age in lock-up.

"I don't think there's a day where someone hasn't gone to visit her and it is visitation behind the glass," Maura MacMahon, Weier's attorney.

When it came to Morgan Geyser, Geyser's attorney did not challenge a psychiatric report saying she is competent.

"There are a lot of doctors who have looked at Morgan and examined her. I don't see a compelling reason to challenge the conclusions of this doctor," said Anthony Cotton, Geyser's attorney.

Weier will go back to a secure detention facility in West Bend. Geyser will go back to the Winnebago Mental Health Facility until the next court date in February.