UPDATE | Judge won't reduce bond for girls in Slender Man stabbing

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A judge today refused to reduce the $500,000 bond set for two Wisconsin girls accused of trying to kill their classmate in an attempt to please the fictional horror character Slender Man.

Judge Michael Bohren denied requests by the girls' attorneys to lower the bond amount. The judge cited their potential flight risk, noting both girls tried to run away after the 2014 attack, and the seriousness of the crime.

Both girls have been in custody for two years, and their families say they can't afford to post the high bond.

Authorities say the girls were 12 years old when they lured their classmate into the woods after a birthday sleepover and repeatedly stabbed her. The victim, who was also 12, was found along a road, bleeding from wounds that nearly killed her.

The Associated Press hasn't identified the defendants because their cases could move to juvenile court, where proceedings are closed. The girls are facing trial as adults, but that decision is under review.