GRAND ISLAND, NE – A robbery attempt turned deadly at a Nebraska highway rest stop early Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of a 72-year-old man and leaving his 71-year-old wife battling for life. Authorities have since apprehended a 22-year-old man in connection with the violent altercation.

Gary and Mary Weaver, who were traveling through Nebraska in their RV, stopped at the Interstate 80 rest area. It was there that they encountered James Thompson Jr., who demanded the keys to their Jeep. A struggle ensued, during which both Gary and Mary were brutally stabbed.

Responding to a distress call shortly after 7 a.m., deputies from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office discovered the couple with severe knife wounds. Gary Weaver was declared deceased upon arrival at Grand Island Hospital, while Mary remains in critical condition with injuries described as life-threatening.

Investigators ascertained the details of the attack from a nearby semi-trailer’s dashcam footage, which appears to show Thompson entering the Weavers’ RV before assaulting them. The attack on Mary was captured on video, showing Thompson stabbing her in the side of the head.

Following the incident, Thompson reportedly fled the scene, initiating a high-speed chase with the Nebraska State Security Patrol. His escape was halted when he drove his vehicle into the Platte River. State troopers, aided by a police dog, apprehended Thompson 30 minutes later.

Thompson is now held at Hall County jail, where he faces a litany of charges, including felony murder and attempted murder. Judge Art Wetzel has ordered that Thompson be detained without bond, with a preliminary hearing slated for July 9 as investigations continue. Meanwhile, the community is left to mourn the senseless loss of life and hope for the recovery of Mary Weaver.