Nebraska judge again deems man mentally unfit for trial in I-80 rest stop stabbing

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A judge ruled Friday that a man charged in a deadly stabbing along Interstate 80 in Nebraska is incompetent to stand trial.

The decision was based on 22-year-old James Thompson’s latest mental competency evaluation at a psychiatric hospital.

SEE ALSO: Man charged in I-80 rest stop stabbing in Nebraska to have another psych test

It is the second time that Hall County District Court Judge Andrew Butler found Thompson unfit for trial.

In February, he committed Thompson to the Lincoln Regional Center to be treated until he is mentally competent.

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

On June 19, court documents say Thompson attacked a Missouri couple at the I-80 rest area near Grand Island.

Gary Weaver, 72, was pronounced dead from multiple stab wounds. His 71-year-old wife was seriously wounded.

Thompson was trying to steal the Jeep that was attached to their camper, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

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

He faces five felonies, including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, and has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

When the case was in county court, he was initially deemed competent.

Butler scheduled another hearing for June 10 to reassess Thompson’s mental state.