72-year-old traveler killed and his wife injured in stabbing at rest stop, authorities say

HALL COUNTY, Nebraska (KSNB/Gray News) – The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has released more details about the fatal stabbing that occurred Wednesday morning along Interstate 80 in Nebraska.

The sheriff’s office identified the victims as Gary and Mary Weaver, a married couple from Eureka, Missouri.

The couple was traveling through Nebraska in their RV when the stabbing occurred.

The 72-year-old man died of his injuries, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office said. 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 robbery. He is accused of robbing the couple at about 7 a.m. in the westbound rest area near Grand Island.

The suspect is facing numerous charges, including premeditated murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, robbery, two counts of use of a deadly weapon to commit a serious felony, attempted theft by unauthorized taking, fleeing arrest in a vehicle, willful reckless driving, failure to obey stop signs, and failure to use your turn signal.

Hall County officials are continuing their investigation. An autopsy has been ordered on Gary Weaver.

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