NASCAR superstar Jimmie Johnson and his family are grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss after a devastating murder-suicide claimed the lives of his in-laws and nephew. The bodies of Jack Janway, 69, his wife Terry Janway, 68, and their 11-year-old grandson, Dalton Janway, were discovered in late June at their residence in Muskogee, Oklahoma, sending shockwaves through the racing community and beyond.
In an emotional post on Johnson’s Instagram account on Friday, the racing champion expressed his family’s profound grief over the tragedy. This was the first time Johnson has spoken publicly since the heart-wrenching incident occurred. He thanked everyone for their overwhelming support and compassion during this unimaginably sad time.
The incident unfolded when the Muskogee police received a 911 call from a distraught woman reporting a disturbance involving a gun at the Janway family home. Tragically, it was revealed that Terry Janway had shot and killed her husband, Jack, and their young grandson, Dalton, before taking her own life. Terry and Jack Janway were the parents of Johnson’s wife, Chandra, while Dalton was her nephew.
Heartbreaking video footage emerged showing police officers at the scene, discussing the situation outside the home before attempting to enter. As they identified themselves as officers, a single gunshot rang out, indicating that the tragedy had already occurred.
The shocking event prompted Johnson to withdraw from a NASCAR event in Chicago as he and his wife Chandra were overwhelmed with grief and needed time to process their loss. The couple has not yet issued any public statements following the incident.
NASCAR, as well as the entire racing community, expressed their heartfelt condolences and support for the Johnson and Janway families. The tragedy has had a profound impact on all who knew the Janways and their loved ones.
The 911 call made by Terry Janway only added to the anguish of the situation. In the brief call, she requested police assistance due to the presence of someone with a gun in her home but abruptly hung up when asked if she knew the person.
Muskogee police, who promptly responded to the distress call, confirmed that the incident was a murder-suicide and reassured the community that there was no ongoing threat.
