Mental Health Evaluation Ordered for Woman Charged in Museum Hill Apartments Stabbing

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Court proceedings have been delayed for a St. Joseph woman charged in connection with the stabbing of a neighbor at Museum Hill Apartments earlier this month.

Jabreon L. Johnson appeared before Buchanan County Judge Rebecca Spencer for a preliminary hearing Thursday. Johnson is charged with first-degree assault in connection with the August 9 incident.

Johnson's attorney requested a mental health evaluation, which was granted by the judge. The evaluation is expected to take place in September, with another hearing to be scheduled after the results are submitted to the court.

According to a probable cause statement previously released in the case, witnesses told investigators they saw Johnson on top of the victim in a hallway while using a box cutter.

Police later searched Johnson's apartment and reported finding a gray box cutter that appeared to have been washed. Investigators said blood and tissue were still found inside the blade.

The victim suffered significant injuries to her face and neck that required immediate medical attention.

Johnson remains accused of the offense and has not been convicted. The case will return to court following completion of the mental health evaluation.

The case also highlights the growing need for mental health support in St. Joseph. As more families, law enforcement officers and service providers confront mental health crises, many residents say there are limited places to turn for immediate help, guidance and ongoing treatment.

People experiencing a mental health crisis may face long waits for appointments, limited access to counseling and difficulty finding services that accept their insurance or provide care outside regular business hours. For families, those gaps can make it difficult to know where to seek help before a situation escalates.

Local agencies and health care providers continue to offer counseling, crisis response and other support services, but resources remain limited. Residents who need help may be directed to emergency rooms, law enforcement or crisis hotlines, depending on the severity of the situation and the services available at the time.

Mental health advocates say expanding access to early intervention, affordable counseling, substance-use treatment and crisis services could help more people receive support before they reach a point of danger to themselves or others.

Anyone experiencing an immediate mental health emergency should call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.