Ep 5. Slenderman

CopyCat Killers is a true-crime series on Reelz that delves into deadly crimes committed by ordinary people who imitate notorious killers from the past. In season 5, episode 5, titled "Slenderman," the show takes a closer look at a horrific crime that rocked the small town of Waukesha, Wisconsin.

On May 31, 2014, two 12-year-old girls, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, lured their friend, Payton Leutner, into the woods and stabbed her 19 times. Miraculously, Payton survived, and her friends were arrested and charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

The motive behind the heinous crime shocked the nation - the girls claimed that they were trying to impress a fictional character called Slenderman. Slenderman is a tall, shadowy figure depicted in online horror stories and videos as a malevolent entity that preys on children. Morgan and Anissa were avid fans of the Slenderman mythos, and they believed that by committing the murder, they could become his loyal followers and live in his mansion in the woods.

The CopyCat Killers episode examines the events leading up to the attack and how Morgan and Anissa were inspired by Slenderman. The documentary features interviews with experts in psychology, law enforcement, and pop culture, as well as people who knew the girls before the crime. Through their testimony, viewers will gain insight into what drove these girls to commit such a senseless act of violence.

The Slenderman case was unique in many ways, particularly because the killer was not a person but an internet meme. The tragedy also raised questions about the role of parents, internet safety, and mental illness in cases of youth violence. CopyCat Killers explores these issues and shows how the Slenderman case has become a cautionary tale for parents and educators across the country.

The episode also sheds light on the aftermath of the crime, including the trial and the girls' sentences. Morgan and Anissa were both found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and were committed to psychiatric institutions. Payton, the victim, has since recovered from her injuries and has spoken out about the incident, advocating for mental health awareness and against internet-fueled violence.

Overall, "Slenderman" is a chilling and thought-provoking look into a crime that shook the nation's consciousness. The CopyCat Killers episode provides a balanced and in-depth analysis of the case, highlighting the complexities of youth violence, mental health, and the power of online influences. Viewers will be left with a sense of unease and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of children and teens in the digital age.