Former NASCAR driver fatally shot following altercation 'involving a hatchet'

ATHENS, Ga. (TCD) -- A former NASCAR driver was shot and killed over the weekend following an "altercation" involving a hatchet at a residence where his ex-wife lived.

According to a statement from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, officers responded to a shooting call on the 200 block of Morton Avenue at approximately 8:44 p.m. Saturday. When officers arrived, they found two victims with gunshot wounds who were then transported to a nearby hospital. One victim died at the hospital and the other, a 30-year-old woman, suffered "serious" injuries.

The Athens-Clarke County Coroner confirmed to the Athens Banner-Herald the victim who died was 31-year-old John Wes Townley.

Athens-Clarke County Police said in their statement that Townley went to the residence on Morton Avenue where his ex-wife Laura Townley lived with Zachary Anderson, 32. According to police, "Shortly after Mr. Townley arrived at the residence, there was an altercation between Mr. Anderson and Ms. Townley involving a hatchet."

During the fight, Anderson reportedly "fired several shots from his gun." Bullets struck both Laura and John Wes Townley. Laura Townley is expected to survive, according to Athens-Clarke County Police.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports no charges have been filed against Anderson yet.

According to the Banner-Herald, the Townleys finalized their divorce recently.

John Wes Townley’s father Tony co-created the casual restaurant chain Zaxby’s. NASCAR.com reports the younger Townley competed mainly in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He retired from the sport in 2017.

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