Missouri traveler stabbed to death, wife critically injured in attack at Nebraska highway rest area

An attempted robbery at a highway rest area in eastern Nebraska killed a 72-year-old man and his 71-year-old wife was seriously injured in a stabbing attack Wednesday, authorities said.

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said officers were called to a rest area on Interstate 80 shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday and found the couple both suffering from stab wounds. Authorities said Gary and Mary Weaver were driving through Nebraska in their mobile home before the attack.

Gary Nelson died at a Grand Island hospital. Mary Nelson was in critical condition Wednesday at the hospital with life-threatening injuries, authorities said. The Nelsons were originally from Eureka, Missouri.

The suspect fled the rest area in a vehicle before authorities arrived, but Grand Island Police Capt. Dean Elliott told television station KSNB that officers were able to obtain a description.

The Nebraska State Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle matching that description near Wood River and pursued it at speeds up to 120 mph before that vehicle left the highway and turned onto South. Elliott said the vehicle eventually rolled into the Platte River. State troopers used a police dog to track down the suspect and arrest him about 30 minutes later.

“Excellent teamwork by Hall County Troopers and Deputies to quickly locate and apprehend the suspect,” the Nebraska State Patrol said on social media. “Our thoughts are with both victims and their families.”

James Thompson Jr., 22, of Elyria, Ohio, was being held Wednesday at the Hall County Jail. He faces numerous charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, robbery and fleeing police. As he has not yet appeared in court, he does not have an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Earlier this month, a man was shot and killed at a rest area during a robbery attempt in California.