Suspect in Nebraska rest stop stabbing found mentally incompetent for third time

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — For the third time, a judge has found that the suspect in a deadly stabbing along Interstate 80 in Nebraska is unfit for trial.

On Tuesday, 23-year-old James Thompson was again deemed mentally incompetent.

He has been in treatment at the Lincoln Regional Center, a state psychiatric hospital, since February.

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

In his ruling, Hall County District Court Judge Andrew Butler ordered Thompson to continue treatment until his competency is restored.

Thompson is accused of attacking a Missouri couple last June at the I-80 rest area south of Grand Island.

Court documents say he stabbed 72-year-old Gary Weaver and 71-year-old Mary Weaver multiple times, killing the husband and seriously wounding the wife.

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

It was all in an effort to steal the Jeep that was attached to their camper, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

Thompson is charged with five felonies, including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Thompson was initially deemed competent when the case was in county court.

Butler has scheduled another hearing for Aug. 5 to reassess Thompson’s mental fitness.