GRAND ISLAND, Neb.—A tragic incident unfolded at a highway rest area in eastern Nebraska, resulting in the death of a 72-year-old man and critical injuries to his 71-year-old wife in a knife attack on Wednesday, according to authorities.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call at an Interstate 80 rest area shortly after 7 a.m. on Wednesday, where they discovered the couple with knife wounds. Gary and Mary Weaver, who had been traveling across Nebraska in their mobile home, were the victims of the attack.
Tragically, Mr. Weaver passed away at a Grand Island hospital, while Ms. Weaver remained in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. The couple hailed from Eureka, Missouri.
The suspect managed to flee the rest area in a vehicle before law enforcement arrived, but Grand Island Police Captain Dean Elliott informed a local television station that officers were able to obtain a description of the perpetrator.
The Nebraska State Patrol engaged in a high-speed chase with a vehicle matching the suspect’s description near Wood River, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. The pursuit ended when the vehicle exited the interstate and drove into the Platte River. State troopers, aided by a police dog, apprehended the suspect approximately 30 minutes later.
James Thompson Jr., a 22-year-old from Elyria, Ohio, was taken into custody and is currently held at the Hall County Jail. He faces a range of charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, robbery, and fleeing from police. As he has not yet appeared in court, no legal representation has been assigned to make a statement on his behalf.
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