The 12-year-old girls accused of stabbing their friend 19 times in an Internet-inspired attack are scheduled to appear in a Wisconsin courtroom today for a status conference at which a judge could decide if their case will be sent to juvenile court.
Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier are charged as adults with attempted first-degree intentional homicide after allegedly luring their victim into the woods with a game of hide-and-seek, then stabbing her repeatedly on May 31.
According to court documents, the girls say they carried out the attack in hopes of meeting a fictional online character named Slender Man.
Why Did 12-Year-Olds Stab Friend for Slender Man?
Girls Charged in Slender Man Stabbing Expressed Regret: Police
Legal expert Wendy Murphy said it’s rare for children this young to be facing such severe charges.
“The girls are in adult court because this is such a serious crime. And they should be facing serious consequences,” Murphy said. “On the other hand, they’re 12. And most crimes committed by 12-year-olds, even if they’re serious, are handled in juvenile court.”
At today’s court hearing, defense attorneys could also request to have the suspects’ $500,000 bail reduced. The girls have been behind bars since the alleged attack.
Their alleged victim managed to survive, crawling out to a nearby road, gasping for air and catching the attention of a bicyclist who called 911.
She’s now recovering at home.
“Her physical wounds ... are healing more quickly than anticipated,” her parents said in a statement.
That healing process has been aided by boxes and boxes of purple hearts -- purple is her favorite color. The hearts have been sent from around the world, signs of support for the girl who survived the unthinkable.