Ep 5. Slender Man

CopyCat Killers is a television docudrama series that features the real-life stories of people who have committed murder and been influenced by pop culture. The sixth season, episode 5 focuses on the Slender Man stabbing, which took place in Waukesha, Wisconsin in 2014.

The episode begins by introducing the Slender Man, a fictional character created on the internet in 2009 by Eric Knudsen, also known as Victor Surge. He is depicted as a tall, faceless figure, often with long tentacle-like arms, who preys on children and young adults. The character became popular on forums such as 4chan and quickly grew in popularity, leading to the creation of Slender Man fan art, video games, and even a Hollywood movie.

The episode then introduces Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser, two 12-year-old girls living in Waukesha who were obsessed with Slender Man. They spent hours reading about and discussing the character, and ultimately became convinced that he was real and that they needed to prove their loyalty to him by committing murder. On May 31, 2014, they lured their friend Payton Leutner into the woods and stabbed her 19 times, leaving her for dead.

The episode explores the events leading up to the attack and examines the girls' psychological profiles. It includes interviews with family members, friends, and experts who offer insight into their actions and state of mind. The girls' parents also share their perspectives on what happened and their attempts to understand their daughters' behavior.

Throughout the episode, the story is told through dramatic reenactments that bring the events to life. The actors portray the girls, their victim, and witnesses to the crime, as well as law enforcement officials who worked on the case. The reenactments are accompanied by voiceovers from various sources, including interviews with people involved in the case and news reports from the time.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the girls were deeply troubled and struggling with mental health issues. They had a history of self-harm and had been diagnosed with conditions such as schizophrenia and oppositional defiant disorder. The episode explores how their fascination with Slender Man amplified their existing issues and led to a dangerous combination of delusion and violence.

The episode also examines the aftermath of the attack and its impact on the community. It includes interviews with law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and a judge who oversaw the case. Psychological experts provide insights into the girls' rehabilitation and their long-term prognosis.

Overall, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of internet culture and the impact it can have on vulnerable individuals. It raises important questions about mental health and the responsibility of society to provide support and resources for those who are struggling. Through its in-depth analysis of the Slender Man stabbing, CopyCat Killers sheds light on a tragic event that shocked the nation and highlights the importance of vigilance when it comes to media consumption and its impact on vulnerable individuals.