In the early morning hours of October 8, 2020, the life of 30-year-old Steven Lee Weaver, a White/Caucasian male from McCook, Nebraska, was tragically cut short in a violent encounter on a rural highway. What initially appeared to be a two-vehicle collision on Highway 6-34 near Indianola unfolded into a complex homicide investigation. Another man, Charles Edward Decker, 36, of Indianola, also died at the scene.
Investigators soon discovered that the incident was far from a simple traffic accident. Evidence suggested that Charles Decker had intentionally rammed his vehicle into Weaver's, causing both to crash. While Decker was ejected from his vehicle and died from the impact, an autopsy revealed that Weaver had sustained gunshot wounds. This discovery shifted the focus of the investigation to a targeted attack.
The investigation led authorities to Charles Decker's brother, Alva C. Decker, 33. He was arrested and faced serious charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and use of a firearm to commit a felony. The motive behind the deadly confrontation pointed to a grim and premeditated act of violence. The ensuing legal proceedings shed more light on the events of that fatal morning.
In April 2023, Alva Decker's case concluded with a plea agreement. He pleaded no contest to amended charges of manslaughter and tampering with a witness. The court sentenced him to a lengthy prison term of 35 to 40 years for his role in the death of Steven Lee Weaver. A third individual, Travis Terwilliger, 49, of McCook, was also implicated in connection with the case and was sentenced to prison for terroristic threats and being an accessory to a felony.
