Decision on jury sequestration in Slenderman stabbing case will be issued soon

WAUKESHA -- A Waukesha County judge indicated on Monday, July 24th that he will issue a decision in seven to 10 days on whether the jury in the so-called Slenderman stabbing case will be sequestered.

Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser 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.

Slenderman

Lawyers for the two girls have argued a sequestered jury is needed because of the publicity surrounding the case. Attorneys believe the jury should be kept away from TV, newspapers, Twitter and Facebook.

Anissa Weier

"We are talking about something that could taint the criminal process. I think it's very important that we handle it with the utmost caution," said Maura McMahon, Weier's attorney in court on Monday.

Concerned about mock juries conducted for Geyser, Weier's lawyers argued a motion believing it would be best to have reconsideration of the motion for a jury from another county.

"Given the amount of publicity that has occurred over time as well as the existence of the internet in any households available to people, libraries, on their phones, it would seem to be danger of prejudice," McMahon said.

Meanwhile, the state asked that issue be denied and gave a rebuttal that it is not necessary to have an outside jury.

Judge Michael Bohren

Judge Michael Bohren agreed.

"The jury can be fair in Waukesha. I'm satisfied in, in the fairness of Waukesha County residents," Judge Bohren said. "I deny the motion to reconsider."

As for the motion for sequestration for the jurors...

"I'll take the matter under advisement and issue a decision within the next seven to 10 days," Judge Bohren said.

Weier appeared in court on Monday with her attorney for a brief hearing regarding the sequestration issue.

Weier's trial is set to start in September. Geyser's trial is set for October.