James Thompson, (Hall County Department of Corrections, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — A 22-year-old Ohio man has been arrested for first degree murder, among other multiple felony charges, following a fatal knife attack that killed a Missouri man and critically wounded his wife.
On June 19, at 7:08 a.m., deputies with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the westbound Interstate 80 rest area at mile marker 316 in reference to 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, 72-year-old Gary Weaver of Eureka, Mo., suffered fatal injuries from the assault and was pronounced dead at the Grand Island Regional Hospital.
Weaver’s wife, 71-year-old Mary Weaver, suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to the same hospital where she remains in critical condition, according to the Hall County Sheriff.
The couple had been traveling through Nebraska in their mobile home when the incident occurred.
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.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office will continue with the investigation. An autopsy has been ordered.
Assistance was provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Grand Island Police Department, Grand Island Ambulance, Doniphan QRT, and Wood River Fire.
