GRAND ISLAND, NE – An attempted highway rest area robbery on Wednesday left a 72-year-old man dead and his 71-year-old wife critically injured due to knife wounds, according to Hall County Sheriff’s Office. Gary and Mary Nelson, the victims of the brutal attack, hail from Eureka, Missouri. The couple were traveling across Nebraska in their motorhome when the incident took place.
Gary Nelson lost his life at a local Grand Island hospital. Mary Nelson is currently in a critical condition as she battles life-threatening injuries.
Initial reports indicate that the perpetrator fled the rest area before the arrival of authorities, but the Grand Island Police provided a detailed description of the vehicle.
A high-speed chase, hitting speeds up to 120 mph, ensued when Nebraska State Patrol attempted to stop the suspicious vehicle near Wood River. The suspected attacker eventually crashed his vehicle into the Platte River. After an intensive 30-minute search with police dogs, he was finally captured.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old James Thompson Jr. from Elyria, Ohio, is currently held at the Hall County Jail. He faces charges that include first-degree murder, attempted murder, robbery, and fleeing from police. A legal representation for Thompson has not been confirmed as he is yet to make a court appearance.