Police say NASCAR driver killed in double shooting came to ex-wife’s house with a hatchet

ATHENS, Ga. — Police say a former NASCAR driver was shot and killed after allegedly attacking his ex-wife and a man with a hatchet in her Athens home Saturday night.

According to a report, the divorce of John Wes Townley and his former wife Laura Townley was recently finalized.

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Police say when Townley arrived at the home on Morton Avenue Saturday night while armed with a hatchet, he got into an altercation with Zachery Anderson, a man from Dunwoody.

“During the course of that altercation, Mr. Anderson discharged his firearm several times, striking Mr. Townley and Ms. Townley.” said Athens-Clarke County Police Lt. Shaun Barnett.

John Townley later died at a hospital. Laura Townley was seriously hurt, but is expected to survive.

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Police say the shooting of Laura Townley was accidental.

A UGA student who lives next door to the home where the shooting took place says it’s a tragic situation.

“It was a very confusing and scary situation. And also very tragic for the family.” Said Brooke Avino.

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John Townley raced on the NASCAR circuit for nearly ten years. His race car was sponsored by Zaxby’s Restaurants which his father co-founded in Athens.

Police have not filed charges against Anderson, and say their investigation is ongoing.

Former NASCAR driver, son of Zaxby’s founder killed in Athens double shooting Investigators say they have identified the suspected shooter and it is believed he knew the victims.

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