Man deemed competent for trial in deadly stabbing at I-80 rest area in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Ohio man accused of stabbing a couple at an Interstate 80 rest area has been found mentally competent to stand trial.

Hall County Judge Arthur Wetzel wrote on Tuesday that James Thompson Jr. has “the capacity to understand the nature and object of the proceedings against him.”

Wetzel found probable cause to try the 22-year-old and transferred the case to district court.

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

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

Court documents describe a brutal crime on June 19 at the I-80 rest area south of Grand Island.

Thompson stabbed a Missouri couple multiple times while trying to steal a Jeep that was attached to their camper, according to an arrest affidavit.

Gary Weaver, 72, died at a hospital; Mary Weaver, 71, suffered serious injuries to her head and neck, the affidavit says.

Thompson underwent a court-ordered psychological evaluation this summer.

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