"A lot of emotion in this case:" Attorneys in Slenderman stabbing case argue for sequestered jury

WAUKESHA — A judge in Waukesha County has heard defense arguments on why jurors should be sequestered during the trial of one of two teens accused of stabbing a classmate to impress a fictitious character called Slenderman.

Morgan Geyser

Lawyers for 15-year-old Morgan Geyser said Monday, July 10th a sequestered jury is needed because of the publicity surrounding the case. The judge said Monday he will issue a decision in a week or so.

"Obviously this case has generated and continues to generate a tremendous amount of publicity," Donna Kuchler, Geyser's attorney said Monday.

Concerns about publicity after the trial begins is the reason Geyser's attorney asked that the jury be sequestered, away from TV, newspapers, Twitter and Facebook.

"There's a lot of emotion in this case on both sides, so we don't want people to approach our jurors," Kuchler said.

Morgan Geyser

The prosecution argued against sequestering jurors.

"It would make choosing a jury much more difficult," Ted Szczupakiewicz, prosecutor said.

Anissa Weier

The judge has said previously that publicity so far has been accurate and not inflammatory, so he denied a request to have the jury be brought in from a county outside Waukesha. Attorneys for Anissa Weier, also 15, asked the judge to reconsider.

Weier's attorneys are filing a similar motion to sequester the jury during her trial. The judge will hear those arguments on July 24th.

Anissa Weier

Geyser and Anissa Weier, also 15, are charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the 2014 attack on their classmate in Waukesha. Investigators say the attack was an attempted sacrifice to the online character.

Waukesha police investigate stabbing incident

Waukesha police investigate stabbing incident

Weier's trial is in September and Geyser's is in October. Both pleaded not guilty in adult court by reason of mental disease.