HALL COUNTY, Neb. —Authorities investigating a a deadly attempted robbery at a highway rest area in Nebraska have identified the victims as Gary and Mary Weaver of Eureka, Missouri, according to the Hall County, Nebraska Sheriff's office.
James Thompson, Jr., 22, Elyria, Ohio, is being held in the Hall County jail on requested charges of first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, robbery, fleeing in a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and traffic violations.
The Hall County Sheriff's office said deputies were called to an Interstate 80 rest area shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday and found both victims with knife wounds.
Gary Weaver, 72, died at a Grand Island hospital. Mary Weaver, 71, is in critical condition at the hospital with life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
Thompson fled the rest area in a vehicle before authorities arrived, but Grand Island Police Captain Dean Elliott told television station KSNB that officers were able to get a description.
The Nebraska State Patrol tried to stop a vehicle matching that description near Wood River before that vehicle exited the interstate and turned south. Elliott said the vehicle eventually drove into the Platte River before the Thompson was arrested.