In the harrowing tale of Payton Leutner, a 12-year-old from Waukesha, Wisconsin, the shadows of betrayal and horror loomed large. ABC News’ gripping documentary, ’20/20: The Wicked,’ unravels the chilling narrative of a friendship gone awry, resulting in a brutal stabbing that shocked the nation. Let’s delve into the haunting chronicle of Payton Leutner’s survival and discover where this resilient young woman is today.
Unlikely Bonds and a Fateful Sleepover
Payton, the empathetic daughter of Stacie and Joe Leutner, found an unexpected friendship with Morgan Geyser. Despite being a loner, Morgan became Payton’s sole confidante. Their innocent camaraderie evolved into a deep bond, marked by outdoor adventures, sleepovers, and the typical joys of girlhood. However, the tranquility of their friendship was shattered when Morgan delved into the sinister realms of internet lore, fixating on the Slender Man myth.
On a seemingly ordinary night in May 2014, the trio—Payton, Morgan, and their newfound friend Anissa Weier—embarked on a sleepover to celebrate Morgan’s birthday. Little did Payton know that beneath the surface of their seemingly carefree night, a malevolent plan was taking shape.
A Betrayal in the Shadows
The dark plot unfolded during a morning stroll at David’s Park, as Morgan and Anissa contemplated murdering Payton in the bathroom stalls. Payton, unaware of the impending danger, innocently followed her friends. The initial attempt to execute their sinister plan faltered, leading them to suggest a harmless game of hide-and-seek. Little did Payton realize that this was the prelude to a nightmarish betrayal.
Following Anissa’s deceitful instructions, Payton found herself lying on the ground, covered in sticks and leaves. In a chilling turn of events, Morgan revealed a concealed knife and mercilessly stabbed Payton 19 times, leaving her bleeding and alone in the woods. The assailants fled, leaving Payton to summon her strength and crawl to safety.
Triumph over Tragedy: Payton’s Road to Recovery
The wounds inflicted upon Payton were severe, with soft tissue damage in her limbs and life-threatening injuries to her abdomen. Miraculously, she managed to crawl to an open area, where a vigilant cyclist discovered her. The timely intervention of emergency responders saved her life as she was rushed to ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital.
Facing a grueling recovery, Payton communicated through whiteboards due to intubation tubes obstructing her speech. Enduring six hours of surgery, she displayed remarkable resilience. Despite the trauma, Payton managed to identify her attackers to the police, setting the wheels of justice in motion.
From Scissors to Aspirations: Payton’s Post-Traumatic Transformation
In the aftermath of the horrific incident, Payton struggled with trust issues, even among her own family. Her attackers, Morgan and Anissa, faced incarceration in psychiatric institutions. Despite the trauma, Payton extended forgiveness to Morgan’s mother, Angie Geyser.
In a poignant interview, Payton expressed her feelings toward Morgan, stating that she believes justice was served, yet she harbors a desire to keep a considerable distance. Reflecting on the aftermath, Payton confessed to sleeping with a pair of scissors for years. However, her resilience prevailed, and as of the fall of 2020, Payton emerged as a high school senior with aspirations to attend medical college.
A Quiet Warrior: Payton Leutner Today
Grateful for the life she reclaimed from the clutches of tragedy, Payton acknowledges the unexpected impact of her ordeal. Rather than succumbing to bitterness, she credits her transformation to the strength drawn from her traumatic experience. “Just because of what she did, I have the life I have now. I really, really like it, and I have a plan,” Payton shared in a revealing moment.
In her early twenties, Payton Leutner has chosen a path of discretion, opting to keep a low profile. A university student with a clear vision for her future, Payton’s journey from victim to survivor stands as a testament to human resilience. As she navigates her way through the complexities of life, Payton remains a quiet warrior, embodying strength and triumph over unspeakable darkness.