DONUT SHOP HOMICIDE — Good Samaritan Dies One Week After Parking Lot Stabbing
What began as a shocking act of violence outside a beloved Tulsa donut shop has now become a homicide investigation. The Tulsa Police Department confirmed that 39-year-old Zacchariah Watchman, the Good Samaritan who was critically injured during a stabbing on September 19, 2025, has died from his injuries.
The incident unfolded just after 11:00 a.m. on September 19 outside Brown’s Donut Shop, located near 1300 N. Yale. According to multiple witnesses, 40-year-old Brandon Poor was seen behaving erratically in the area. Reports indicate that Poor had been waving a firearm, setting small fires, and creating a dangerous disturbance before the violence escalated.
Witnesses say that Poor began harassing an employee outside the donut shop, prompting Zacchariah Watchman to step in. Watchman, described as a brave and selfless individual, intervened in an attempt to protect the worker and de-escalate the situation. In response, Poor stabbed Watchman in the parking lot, inflicting serious injuries.
Officers responded swiftly to the scene, apprehending Poor and preventing further harm to others. At the time of his arrest, Poor was booked on charges of Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Property Destruction.
Watchman was rushed to the hospital and remained in critical condition for days as his loved ones and the community prayed for his recovery. Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he passed away on the evening of September 25, 2025, at around 9:30 p.m.
With Watchman’s death, Tulsa Police confirmed that Poor’s charges will now be upgraded to Murder. Detectives continue to investigate the sequence of events that led up to the attack, but officials stress that Watchman’s courageous actions likely saved lives that day.
The news of his passing has deeply shaken the Tulsa community. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have expressed admiration for Watchman’s bravery in the face of danger. Many see him as a true hero—someone who put himself at risk to shield another person from harm.
Brown’s Donut Shop, a well-known gathering spot in the area, has also become a place of mourning, with community members leaving flowers and notes in Watchman’s honor. Local leaders have spoken out about the tragedy, emphasizing the need to remember his sacrifice and to address the broader issues of violence that continue to affect communities.
As the legal process against Poor moves forward, Watchman’s loved ones are left to grieve the devastating loss of a man remembered for his selflessness, kindness, and strength of character.
Zacchariah Watchman’s legacy will endure as a reminder of the power of compassion and courage—even in the face of violence.
