Former NASCAR driver John Wes Townley was killed in a shooting that left a woman wounded. Athens-Clarke County police say they were called to a home in the 200 block of Morton Avenue in Five Points. They found the 31 year-old Townley and 30 year-old woman. The woman survived; Townley did not. NASCAR says he raced from 2008 through 2016, winning a truck series in 2015. His father, Tony Townley, is a co-founder of the Athens-based fast food chain Zaxby’s.
UPDATE from the ACCPD (Oct. 4th, 11:41am
On October 2, 2021, at approximately 8:44PM, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department responded to a shooting at a residence in the 200 block of Morton Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a 30-yearold female and a 31-year-old male, both of whom had been shot. The initial investigation indicates that John Townley, 31, arrived at the Morton Avenue address that was occupied by Laura Townley, 30, and Zachary Anderson, 32, of Dunwoody, GA. Shortly after Mr. Townley arrived at the residence, there was an altercation between Mr. Townley and Mr. Anderson involving a hatchet. At some point during the altercation, Anderson fired several shots from his firearm. As a result, Ms. Townley and Mr. Townley were struck. Both were transported to a local hospital. John Townley died as a result of his injuries. Laura Townley sustained serious injuries and is expected to survive.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Black at (762) 400-7058 or via email at scott.black@accgov.com.
From WSB TV…
Former NASCAR driver John Wes Townley was killed in a shooting that left one other person injured in Athens on Saturday night, the Associated Press reports.
Athens-Clarke County police say they were called to a home in the 200 block of Morton Avenue at 8:45 Saturday night.
Officers found Townley, 31, and a 30-year-old woman suffering gunshot wounds and took them to the hospital. Townley passed away from his injuries, but the extent of the woman’s injuries is not known.
Investigators say they have identified the suspected shooter and it is believed he knew the victims. The alleged shooter’s identity has not been released.
Townley raced for nearly a decade from 2008 to 2016, according to NASCAR.
In 2015, Townley won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
His father, Tony Townley, is a co-founder of the Athens-based fast food chain Zaxby’s, according to the AP.
The shooting took place just hours after thousands of fans packed Sanford Stadium to watch the University of Georgia Bulldogs beat the Arkansas Razorbacks just over a mile away.
Police say their investigation into the shooting is ongoing.