Homeless Man Charged in Stabbing at Joplin Charity

Suspect Bryan Gutierrez accused of attacking victim outside Watered Gardens facility.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 55-year-old homeless man named Bryan Gutierrez has been arrested and charged with felony assault and armed criminal action after allegedly stabbing another individual outside the Watered Gardens charity in Joplin, Missouri. The incident was captured on the organization's security cameras, and the victim was able to flag down a police officer who was on patrol in the area.

Why it matters

Incidents of violence at charitable organizations that serve the homeless population can undermine public trust and raise concerns about safety in the community. This case highlights the challenges faced by homeless outreach programs in maintaining a secure environment for both staff and clients.

The details

According to the police affidavit, Gutierrez was involved in an altercation with the victim outside of the Watered Gardens facility on February 9, 2026. The victim was found bleeding from the chest, and two knives were recovered from Gutierrez, one of which had blood on it. Gutierrez denied stabbing the victim, but the incident was captured on the charity's security cameras, corroborating the charges.

  • The incident occurred on February 9, 2026 outside the Watered Gardens facility in Joplin.
  • Gutierrez is scheduled to appear in court on February 18, 2026 to request a bond reduction.

The players

Bryan Gutierrez

A 55-year-old homeless man who has been charged with felony assault and armed criminal action for allegedly stabbing another individual outside the Watered Gardens charity in Joplin, Missouri.

Watered Gardens

A charitable organization in Joplin, Missouri that provides services and support to the local homeless population. The stabbing incident occurred on their property.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 18, 2026 whether or not to grant Gutierrez's request for a bond reduction.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of maintaining safety and security at charitable organizations that serve vulnerable populations, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by the homeless community and the organizations that support them.