Cheryl and Nikki Druce are diving into the world of creepypastas to meet one of the most deadly internet myths of all time… Slenderman. It’s a balmy Friday night in May in the suburb of Waukesha Wisconsin in 2014. 12 year old Payton is getting ready to celebrate her best friend Morgan's birthday at a sleepover, along with their friend Anissa. Just 12 hours later, Payton is found abandoned in the woods and barely alive after being stabbed 19 times by her friends. They say they did it to appease Slenderman. Police had two questions on their hands… who was Slenderman, and why did two 12 year old girls brutally attack their friend in their quest to meet him? Cheryl and Nikki are about to find out. Expect a 101 on internet scary stories, tales of dodgy fanfics and some of the most haunting words to have ever been spoken by a 12 year old… 

This episode contains graphic details of violence, including violence against and perpetrated by children, and is not intended for all audiences. Listener discretion is strongly advised.  

00:00 - Intro

02:11 - Nikki sets the scene

04:39 - Creepypasta 101

08:18 - Slenderman’s origin story

13:15 - How did an internet story turn into attempted murder? 

13:45 - Payton makes friends with Morgan

16:15 - Annisa arrives in town

18:14 - The Slenderman lore takes hold of Morgan and Anissa

22:24 - Morgan and Anissa’s sinister plan

23:41 - Morgan’s Birthday sleepover

24:34 - The first attempt

25:21 - The second attempt

26:12 - The stabbing of Payton

29:07 - Morgan and Anissa set off to find Slenderman’s mansion

29:31 - Payton saves herself

31:30 - Morgan and Anissa are found with the attempted murder weapon 

32:44 - Morgan and Anissa are brought in for questioning

36:51 - The indictment and sentencing of Morgan and Anissa

39:25 - The fall out

44:02 - Outro

For all things Killers, Cults and Queens, head over to @killerscultsqueens on Instagram. And follow Cheryl @cheryldragqueen and Nikki Druce @nikkimacabrelondon.

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, please consider contacting the following resources:

The Samaritans helpline: 116 123

Confidential Emotional Support Line: 01708 765200

Refuge domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247 (live chat is also available at https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us *times apply)

Safeline domestic abuse helpline: 01926 402 498 

Safeline national male survivor helpline: 0808 800 5005

Sexual Assault Support Line: 01708 765200

Sane mental health line: 0300 304 7000

The knowledge out there on this topic is vast, so if your interest is peaked by this episode. Please take a look at our sources:

Slenderman Stabbing victim speaks

THE REAL LIFE SLENDERMAN CASE

the history of "Slender Man", i guess

Victor Surge Talks About Creating The Original 'Slender Man'

'Slender Man' Creator Speaks on Stabbing: 'I Am Deeply Saddened'

Convicted ‘Slender Man’ Teen Released Early

Second Convicted 'Slender Man' Attacker Also Seeks Conditional Release From Mental Health Facility

Slender Man stabbing - Wikipedia

'Slender Man' stabbing victim speaks publicly for first time: 'Without the whole situation, I wouldn't be who I am' - ABC News