Police have released new details about the shooting death of John Wes Townley, a former NASCAR driver and son of Zaxby’s founder, who was shot and killed Saturday night in Georgia.
According to authorities, Townley showed up at a home where his ex-wife, Laura Townley, and Zachary Anderson were located. Townley reportedly arrived at the residence with a hatchet and got into an altercation with Anderson.
The police report states that Towley “attacked Mr. Anderson and Ms. Townley with a hatchet” and “Mr. Anderson fired several shots from his gun.” Both John Wes and Laura were shot. John Wes Townley died from his injuries, and Laura Townley is recovering from “serious” injuries but is expected to survive.
Police say they have been in contact with Anderson, but no charges have been filed. They also reported that John Wes Townley and Laura Townley had finalized a divorce this week, and John Wes Townley filed for divorce in February.
John Wes Townley retired from NASCAR in 2016 after eight years of competing. He won a Camping World Truck Series race in Las Vegas in 2015 and finished eighth in the Truck Series standings. At the time of his retirement, Townley had competed in 186 Truck Races and had 24 top 10 finishes.
John Wes Townley was 31 at the time of his death.