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GRAND ISLAND On June 19, 2024, at 7:08 a.m. Hall County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 4148 Interstate 80, mile marker 316 ½ westbound rest area, reference a disturbance.
Deputies contacted victims on scene, and it was determined two victims had suffered wounds from an assault with a knife. Both victims were transported to Grand Island Regional Hospital by ambulance. One victim, a 72-year-old male from Eureka Missouri, suffered fatal injuries from the assault and was pronounced dead at Grand Island Regional Hospital.
The second victim, a 71-year-old woman, also from Eureka Missouri, suffered life threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to Grand Island Regional Hospital where she remains in critical condition.
The lone suspect, 22 year old male, James Thompson Jr., of Elyria Ohio, fled the scene by vehicle and was pursued and apprehended by the Nebraska State Patrol.
At this time, it is believed this started as an attempted robbery where the above victims were assaulted with a knife. All suspects have been taken into custody.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office will continue with the investigation. Autopsy has been ordered on the deceased male.
We are in the process of notifying next of kin.
Assistance was provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Grand Island Police Department, Grand Island Ambulance, Doniphan QRT, and Wood River Fire.
