Hall County, Neb. — The Hall County Sheriff’s Department responded at 7:08 a.m. Wednesday to the westbound Interstate-80 mile marker 316 & 1/2 rest area for a disturbance that left one person dead and another critically injured.
Two victims had suffered wounds from an assault with a knife. Both victims were transported to Grand Island Regional Hospital by ambulance. One victim, a 72 year old male from Eureka, Missouri, suffered fatal injuries from the assault and was pronounced dead at Grand Island Regional Hospital.
The second victim, a 71-year-old woman, also from Eureka, Missouri, suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.
The lone suspect, 22-year-old James Thompson Jr. of Elyria, Ohio, fled the scene by vehicle and was pursued and apprehended by the Nebraska State Patrol.
At this time, it is believed the incident started as an attempted robbery where the victims were assaulted with a knife. All suspects have been taken into custody.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Department says an autopsy has been ordered on the deceased male.
The Sheriff’s Department is in the process of notifying next of kin.
Assistance was provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Grand Island Police Department, Grand Island Ambulance, Doniphan QRT and Wood River Fire.
