In an unexpected and shocking incident, the parents of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Jimmie Johnson’s wife were found deceased on Monday. The event, which unfolded in Muskogee, Oklahoma, appears to be a tragic murder-suicide.
NASCAR Star Jimmie Johnson’s In-Laws Dead In Murder-Suicide pic.twitter.com/zjfWxll9N3
— Denn Dunham (@DennD68) June 27, 2023
69-year-old Jack Janway, his wife Terry, who was 68, and their grandson, Dalton, were found at their home after a distress call. Dalton, just 11, was not only the grandson of the Janways but also the nephew of Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chandra.
Based on early investigations, the police suspect Terry, Chandra’s mother, was the one who initiated the tragedy.
The local news outlet, Muskogee Phoenix, stated that a frantic call was made to the police from their home at about 9:05 p.m. on Monday. The caller reported a disturbance and the presence of a gun before the call abruptly ended.
The first officers on the scene discovered Jack in the house hallway. Following that, another gunshot echoed from deeper within the home. Officers safely moved Jack outside and urged other house members to do the same.
NASCAR driver's in-laws, nephew dead as police investigate possible double murder-suicide https://t.co/ZaJqZGdIJk
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 28, 2023
As backup arrived, a thorough search was conducted. The horrifying discovery of Terry and Dalton’s bodies followed.
Jimmie and Chandra, who tied the knot in 2004, are parents to two daughters, Genevieve and Lydia. Chandra spent her childhood in Muskogee, where her dad had been a well-respected chiropractor since 1983.
The news left the community and its leaders deeply saddened. Muskogee mayor, Marlon Coleman, expressed his shock, particularly at the involvement of a child and a family so integrated into their community.
https://twitter.com/blackafnews/status/1673747765417877513?s=20
Jimmie Johnson, due to race in the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago on Sunday, has pulled out of the race. The Johnson family has requested privacy during this challenging time, and no further statements will be issued.
Johnson, who clinched his last Cup Series title in 2016, shares the record for most Cup championships with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. After retiring from NASCAR in 2020, he raced in IndyCar for two seasons.
In 2023, after becoming a part-owner of the Legacy Motor Club — previously known as Richard Petty Motorsports — Johnson made a partial return to the Cup Series. He competed in three races, with his best result being 31st at the Daytona 500. With a career spanning 689 starts, Johnson boasts 83 Cup Series wins, placing him sixth all-time.
