72-year-old traveler killed, wife injured after stabbing at rest stop, authorities say

HALL COUNTY, Neb. (KSNB/Gray News) – The Hall County Sheriff's Office has released more details regarding Wednesday morning's fatal stabbing along Interstate 80 in Nebraska.

The sheriff's office identified the victims as Gary and Mary Weaver, a husband and wife from Eureka, Missouri.

The couple was driving through Nebraska in their mobile home when the stabbing happened.

The 72-year-old man died from his injuries, according to the Hall County Sheriff's Office. The 71-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition at Grand Island Regional Hospital.

James Thompson Jr., 22, of Elyria, Ohio, was booked into the Hall County Jail in connection with the attack. He is accused of trying to rob the couple around 7 a.m. at the westbound rest area near Grand Island.

The suspect faces numerous charges, including murder, attempted murder, first degree assault, robbery, two counts of use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, attempted robbery by unlawful taking , fleeing in a vehicle to avoid arrest, willful recklessness. driving, stop sign violation and failure to signal.

Hall County authorities continue to investigate. An autopsy of Gary Weaver has been ordered.

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