On Friday, RVtravel.com’s Gail Marsh reported on the tragic and senseless killing of an RVer in Nebraska. Gary Weaver was stopped at an Interstate 80 rest stop when accosted by a man who demanded his Jeep toad. The altercation resulted in the RVer’s rest stop murder, and the serious injury of his wife, Mary. Authorities say they now have recovered video of the incident, and charges have been filed against the alleged murderer.
RVer’s rest stop murder details caught on video
As mentioned in our earlier story, witnesses say they heard James Thompson Jr., 22, demand the keys to the Weaver’s Jeep. What Thompson didn’t know was that a nearby big rig driver had a dash camera running. That camera caught part of the incident. This video record could become an important part of Thompson’s prosecution.
The video shows a man enter the Weaver’s motorhome and make stabbing motions toward a woman before going out of view. The video later shows Mary Weaver come out of the motorhome with a man following. He then stabs her several times in the head before she falls to the ground. The same man then stops briefly to yell at the trucker in the semi. This account was taken from an affidavit filed by a sheriff’s deputy.
Charges filed
The RVer’s rest stop murder now sees James Thompson Jr. charged with first-degree murder and 10 other felonies. Thompson hails from Elyria, Ohio, and is represented by a public defender. Thompson’s attorney has declined to comment on the case.
Mary Weaver, who is 71, was still sitting on the ground bleeding beside her motorhome when authorities arrived. She was initially listed in critical condition with what the sheriff described as life-threatening injuries. By Thursday, she had improved to stable condition.
Sad footnote
In a sad footnote, this was the first RV trip that Gary and Mary had taken since the COVID pandemic. A story carried by journalstar.com says the Weavers were en route to Portland, Oregon. Their son, Sam Weaver, is a bassist in a band, and they were going to watch him play.
Gary Weaver was an accomplished pianist but stopped playing after his mother died in 2012. However, last year, Gary sat down with his 2-year-old grandson, Winston, at the keyboard and they played together. Sadly, it proved to be Gary Weaver’s last opportunity to make music with the boy.
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There is a special place in hell for this scumbag!
I’m still wondering why none of the witnesses went to the couple’s aid…
And I hope the perp gets what’s coming to him
I was wondering that too. It would be a rare big rig driver that wasn’t armed.
He may not have been in his rig or sleeping.
If I were on that jury, I’d recommend a sentence of 30 days in the electric chair!
I am not confident that I would be so civilized, bugman. I would be sorely tempted to torture Thompson for a few days, stopping just short of killing him. This seems such a viscious and unprovoked attack that it really bothers me. 🙁
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 I am thankful to learn of the strengthening of the prosecution’s case. But, I am all the more disgusted and angered by Thompson’s homicidal behavior. I share Bill’s wonderment and dismay that no one came to their aid. I pray for Mrs. Weaver’s recovery and the comfort of the family and friends mourning the death of Mr. Weaver. 🙏 I cannot imagine what they all must be going through. 😯 Thanks again for the update and SAFE travels! 🙂
Does anyone know what time of the day or night this happened?
I just Googled it, Patty, and the sheriff’s office reported they were called to an Interstate 80 rest area shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, about this. Such a tragedy. I’m glad they caught the suspect before he could do any more harm. Take care. –Diane at RVtravel.com