MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA: As investigators delve into the tragic murder-suicide that unfolded within the home of NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson's in-laws, newly uncovered court records reveal that the elderly couple had previously struggled with overwhelming debt.
The shocking incident occurred on June 26, 2023, when Terry Lynn Janway, 68, allegedly shot her husband, Dr Jack Janway, 69, and their 11-year-old grandson Dalton Janway before turning the gun on herself in their Muskogee residence, located about 50 miles southeast of Tulsa.
Deepening debt revealed
According to bankruptcy filings obtained by Radar Online, Terry and Dr Jack Janway had sought financial relief after accumulating nearly $500,000 in debt, including a staggering $174,000 owed to nearly 20 credit card companies. The couple's dire financial situation emerged as investigators attempt to determine the motive behind the devastating shooting.
Terry Janway reportedly made a distressing 911 call, reporting a "woman with a gun" in an apparent attempt to lure police to the scene. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a lifeless body in the hallway near the front door. Shortly thereafter, a gunshot was heard from inside the house. Authorities swiftly carried out a rescue operation and found two more deceased individuals within the residence.
At present, investigators have not discovered a suicide note, and it has been revealed that young Dalton Janway had been residing with his grandparents at the time of the incident. The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has refrained from releasing specific details about the fatal injuries, as law enforcement strives to piece together the events leading up to the shocking tragedy that has left the NASCAR racing family in disbelief.
A history of heartbreak
According to People, the Janway family has experienced its share of heartbreak in the past. In 2014, Chandra Janway's brother, Jordan Janway, lost his life in a skydiving accident in San Diego when a collision with another parachutist rendered him unconscious.
Jimmie Johnson, a highly successful NASCAR driver with an estimated net worth of $160 million, married into the Janway family in 2004.
However, financial challenges plagued the Janways in 2009, as they faced mounting debts, including $475,000 owed to various creditors and the looming threat of foreclosure on their $146,000 mortgage. The couple also carried the burden of $29,000 in student loans, presumably taken out for their adult children, as well as $32,000 for a 2007 Jeep Cherokee and $17,000 for a Dutchman travel trailer. Dr Jack Janway, known affectionately as "Dr Jack" in the community, operated the Janway Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic and was a well-regarded figure in Muskogee.
Community in Shock
The shocking incident has left the community reeling, including Muskogee Mayor Marlon Coleman, who was one of Dr Jack's clients. Speaking to Fox 23, Mayor Coleman expressed his deep shock and sorrow, stating, "It was traumatizing to find out that a long-standing family who had made so many contributions to our community were involved in this type of incident. It was even more bone-chilling to find out there was a child involved. I knew Dr Janway. Dr Janway has worked on me; we’ve been acquaintances for a very, very long time since I’ve been in Muskogee. Just knowing that it was him and his family took a different toll on me."
Following the devastating news, Johnson's racing team announced that he would not be participating in the upcoming NASCAR race in Chicago over the weekend.