A tragic incident unfolded at an Interstate 80 rest stop in Nebraska, resulting in the death of a 72-year-old man from Eureka, Missouri, and critical injuries to his 71-year-old wife during an attempted robbery. The suspect, James Thompson Jr., 22, of Elyria, Ohio, is now facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the incident that occurred in Doniphan.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Department responded to a disturbance call at the rest stop and discovered the victims, who had sustained knife wounds from the assault. The male victim, identified as Gary Weaver, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Grand Island Regional Hospital. His wife, Mary Weaver, remains in critical condition at the same hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Authorities believe the incident began as an attempted robbery while the couple was traveling through Nebraska in their mobile home. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle before law enforcement arrived, but a description was obtained, leading to a pursuit by the Nebraska State Patrol.
The pursuit reached speeds of up to 120 mph before the suspect's vehicle drove into the Platte River. State troopers, aided by a police dog, apprehended Thompson approximately 30 minutes later. Jail records indicate that Thompson is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, robbery, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, and willful reckless driving.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise, even at seemingly safe locations like rest stops. Our thoughts are with the Weaver family during this difficult time as they navigate the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.
