Man accused of stabbing couple at I-80 rest area in Nebraska will have psych evaluation

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The man accused in a deadly stabbing at an Interstate 80 rest area was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation on Tuesday.

Hall County Judge Arthur Wetzel sent James Thompson Jr. to the Lincoln Regional Center, where doctors will determine whether he is mentally competent to stand trial.

Thompson, 22, of Ohio killed 72-year-old Gary Weaver and seriously wounded 71-year-old Mary Weaver on June 19 during a robbery attempt, court documents allege.

SEE ALSO: Man killed, woman seriously injured in knife attack at I-80 rest area in Nebraska

The Weavers, of Missouri, were traveling across Nebraska in their recreational vehicle, authorities said.

They stopped at the I-80 rest area south of Grand Island, where authorities said Thompson tried to steal the Jeep attached to their camper.

He stabbed the Weavers multiples times, according to the Nebraska State Patrol, then left in a Ford Focus.

Thompson led state troopers on a chase, which ended when he drove into the Platte River, an arrest affidavit says.

He got out of the car and ran away, authorities said, but troopers quickly caught up to him.

Thompson faces 11 felonies, including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

The judge scheduled a hearing on Thompson’s competence for Aug. 6.