Crime

Former NASCAR driver John Wes Townley attacked his ex-wife and another man with a hatchet just before he was shot to death ... this according to police.

It's all spelled out in new documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, which show cops say Townley showed up to his ex's house in Athens, Ga. on Oct. 2 and allegedly snapped.

In the docs, cops say Townley got to the home and attacked his ex, Laura Townley, and another man, Zachary Anderson, with a hatchet.

Police in the documents say, though, Anderson shot John in the altercation ... striking the former driver and accidentally hitting Laura, as well.

Cops say John was shot through the chest and later died from his injuries at a local hospital. Police added Laura was struck in the abdomen, but is expected to survive.

Cops say an investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Police noted in the docs John and Laura had recently finalized a divorce.

DaBaby killing a man wasn't even nearly as offensive as him going after the LGBT community, which torpedoed his career ... a disparity Dave Chappelle says doesn't sit well with him.

The comedian's got a new stand-up special on Netflix, and right off the bat ... he starts making jokes about DB falling from grace after going on a homophobic rant, which Dave notes might've been more of a cardinal sin than actually ending someone's life.

Of course, he's talking about a legal case DaBaby was wrapped up in some years ago -- when cops say he was involved in a fatal shooting at a Walmart in North Carolina ... something DB himself has said was done in self-defense, and for which he skated.

Watch what Dave's going for here ... he's suggesting that pissing off the gay community these days is a way bigger deal -- and could end your career faster -- than actually killing.

It's all tongue-in-cheek, of course, but DC's making a point he seems to believe ... that what DaBaby did wasn't really that big a deal -- considering his overall history. Some might agree, but others certainly don't -- as what DaBaby said at Rolling Loud was, in fact, awful.

Dave acknowledges that as well ... saying that the guy even crossed a line for him personally -- seeing how Dave says he often makes cracks at the expense of the LGBT crowd. But, in (his) perspective, Dave believes something's amiss by the severe fallout DB has faced.

The Supreme Court Justices just returned to work -- beginning work on cases related to Roe v. Wade -- and the court is on lockdown, surrounded by cops investigating a security threat.

U.S Capitol Police say a suspicious vehicle is parked near the Supreme Court Building, and they have officers all over neighboring blocks ... shutting off all traffic in the area. Tensions are running high -- Monday was the Court's first day back in session, and with Roe v. Wade on the Justices' front burner for the current term, there are immense security concerns.

There are reports the vehicle is an SUV parked at the front of the building, and that the driver refused to move when cops told him to do so.

The Justices are scheduled to hear arguments regarding Mississippi's abortion law later during this term ... and it could ultimately lead to Roe v. Wade being overturned.

It's unclear if the Justices were already in the building when police locked down the building.

Story developing ...

Brian Laundrie's sister says she doesn't have the slightest clue where he is ... and she says she simply doesn't know if her parents are in on his mysterious disappearance.

Brian's sister, Cassie, confronted a group of protestors outside her Florida home Monday ... telling them she hasn't seen Brian since he went missing and she's been cooperative with law enforcement.

Cassie says she's just as frustrated as everyone else with the case, and wants answers.

As you know, Brian fell off the grid last month ... and his parents are the last ones who saw him before he disappeared.

Dog the Bounty Hunter is searching high and low for Brian, even venturing to a remote island off the Florida coast, but so far he's struck out.

There's been a few alleged Brian sightings ... most recently a hiker claims to have seen Brian on the Appalachian Trail ... but nothing concrete.

Dog the Bounty Hunter believes Brian Laundrie is alive because his profile does not meet someone who is suicidal.

Dog appeared Monday on "TMZ Live" ... and he's convinced Laundrie has been hiding in the Florida Everglades where he's been searching.  Dog was quick to add Laundrie may have hightailed it out of there in the last few days, but he's adamant ... Laundrie's been there.

The famous bounty hunter does not think Laundrie's escaped to Mexico or South America ... he'd be a marked man, especially in Mexico.  Dog believes Laundrie is comfortable in the marshland ... noting he's a survivalist who has traversed the Appalachian trails for months at a time.

That said, Dog doesn't think Laundrie is doing well now because of the conditions and the amount of time that has elapsed since his disappearance.

Harvey & the gang talked about Dog's manhunt for Brian Laundrie in the latest TMZ Podcast.

Britney Spears' bedroom was secretly bugged, and a former security employee claims the idea was hatched by a woman named Robin Greenhill, but Robin had no interest in answering the allegation.

Greenhill said nothing to a photog at LAX Monday, where she was asked about the claim in the latest New York Times documentary, in which Alex Vlasov claimed Robin, who was a member of Britney's management team, came up with the idea of mirroring Britney's iPhone to monitor her messages and calls.

Robin works for the Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, which denied the allegation.

Sources with direct knowledge of the conservatorship tell TMZ ... Robin was the key person who managed Britney day-to-day, and often allegedly blocked Britney from spending her money, even for relatively inexpensive items.  Some people involved in Britney's life/business say Robin had an iron grip on Britney, making onerous decisions that blocked her from vacations and various purchases.

Robin worked for Lou Taylor, who is a honcho at Tri Star whom Jamie Spears would often call "the smartest person in any room." We're told Jamie delegated a lot of day-to-day decisions to Taylor, who then delegated to Greenhill. We're told Jamie wouldn't hear criticism of the way Taylor or Greenhill were managing Britney ... what they said goes.

George Floyd's brother says he's open to meeting the man who threw paint onto a bust of George in NYC ... so they can leave the hate behind, heal, and move forward.

Terrence Floyd tells TMZ ... seeing George's statue vandalized tells him there's still people out there with hate in their hearts, and it's holding back society.

George's brother says he wants the vandal to get what he deserves ... but he also wants a chance to sit down with the guy and hash things out.

As we reported ... NYPD released surveillance video they say shows the suspect throwing paint onto the bust in NYC's Union Square, and the perp is in the hate crime unit's crosshairs.

Terrence tells us his team did some reflecting on why George's statue, unveiled over the weekend by his We are Floyd org in partnership with Confront Art, was the only one vandalized ... and says the only way to move forward is through love, unity and healing, not more hate.

Who says Kevin Holland can't wrestle?!

The MMA star thwarted an alleged carjacking Monday morning -- just 2 days after the wild ending at UFC Fight Night -- tracking down the accused thief in his car, and holding him down until police in Saginaw, TX arrived on the scene.

TMZ Sports talked to the 28-year-old fighter ... and he gave us a play-by-play of the crazy scene.

Holland details how he immediately sprang into action after being flagged down by the guy whose car was allegedly taken, and found himself in the middle of a wild chase.

It's a crazy story made even crazier by the timing ... Holland was just involved in a controversial fight Saturday night against Kyle Daukaus.

Less than 3 minutes into the fight, Holland and Daukaus accidentally clashed heads, briefly knocking Kevin out.

He quickly regained consciousness, but the brief moment Kevin was out allowed Kyle to get his neck, ultimately choking KH out, forcing him to tap.

Referee Dan Miragliotta consulted with fellow ref Herb Dean, the Nevada Athletic Commission, and UFC officials before deciding to declare the fight a no contest.

Despite the wild past few days, Holland is in good spirits, and gives a hysterical breakdown of the situation.

The damage inflicted on the George Floyd bust in Union Square is already well on its way to being repaired -- and it's all thanks to some community members who stepped up, and who might continue stepping up to prevent this going forward.

Lindsay Eshelman -- co-founder of Confront Art, who teamed up with George's brother, Terrence, and his org We Are Floyd to produce the statues -- tells TMZ ... she and her team showed up shortly after news broke that the bust was vandalized, but were pleasantly surprised to see there were already at least 5 individuals working to clean up the mess.

We're told these folks are simply activists/art lovers -- and included one tourist who just showed up to help. One of the other good Samaritans was Eric Garner's son, Eric Jr., whom we're told formed a close bond with Terrence through this entire ordeal. Lindsay and co. also chipped in ... running out to get supplies to restore the statue's bronze shine.

As for what to expect from here ... Eshelman tells us she and Confront Art are trying organize a watch group to look after the statue, otherwise known as "keepers" -- as there are 30 days left in the installation, and they're worried this might happen again.

The NYPD has apparently told them they're on their own in this regard, 'cause the police force won't step up security or patrols. We're told CA has a 7 AM to midnight shift in mind, to help keep things kosher after the park closes there.

The man who threw paint onto a bust of George Floyd in NYC is now in the crosshairs of a hate crime unit ... and can be seen clear as day on camera doing the deed.

The NYPD's Crime Stoppers division released surveillance video they say depicts the suspect -- a guy with a light complexion, medium build ... and who was wearing a green jacket, shorts and a hat of some sort, and who cruised by nonchalantly before vandalizing the statue.

Just as we told you before ... he's seen clear as day hanging out near the John Lewis statue in Union Square, shuffling about and looking around -- before he busts out what seems to be a small paint can, hopping on his skateboard and heading for the bronze Floyd effigy.

Sure enough, there are some people around who get a good look at him doing it ... but no one really springs into action. It all happens so fast -- the man is gone in a flash.

We're told the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is investigating this ... for obvious reasons. So far, the alleged perp hasn't been captured -- but cops are asking for tips or any help.

This weekend's paint job actually served as the second act of vandalism since the statue was first unveiled earlier this summer in Brooklyn ... where it was also defaced, with none other than white supremacy logos and signage. And now, at its new, home ... something similar.

Dog the Bounty Hunter is searching high and low for Brian Laundrie in Florida ... and over the weekend, he was knee-deep in water, taking to the swamps and getting dirty.

The reality TV star posted a video of himself Sunday, where he's immersed in a marshy swamp somewhere in Florida. He doesn't reveal his exact location, though -- and probably for good reason.

Dog arrived by boat with the help of some local tour guides, he heads into the thick brush and floating vegetation for a harder look for his man.

Just goes to show ... the dude is, indeed, pounding the pavement in trying to find Laundrie -- just like he said he would about a couple weeks ago when he announced he was getting involved in the manhunt, and so far coming up with what sounds like promising leads.

So far, Dog has apparently tracked Laundrie's movement to a campsite he believes the guy might've recently visited ... and now, it seems he has reason to believe Brian may still be in the area.

TMZ broke the story ... Laundrie was spotted at a North Port, FL AT&T store to buy a phone just before his disappearance.

Of course, that flies in the face of what one would-be eyewitness claims they saw just this weekend ... namely, they allegedly encountered Laundrie along a road near North Carolina.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... security camera captured the vandalism in the act this morning around 10 AM ET, when a male was seen mixing something while ducking behind the John Lewis statue. We're told he then hopped on a skateboard and cruised past the Floyd statue, chucking whatever mixture he had in hand, and fled.

Our sources say eyewitnesses were on the scene, but didn't react to what had happened. The NYPD is investigating.

A statue of George Floyd in Union Square has been vandalized with paint not even 48 hours after it was unveiled to the public in an emotional ceremony.

The statue, which is one of 3 -- including Breonna Taylor and John Lewis -- was smeared with what appears to be grey paint ... it's currently unclear who carried out the attack on the art, but it seems to have happened Saturday night into Sunday morning.

A photo posted by reporter Shannan Ferry shows the extent of the damage.

Floyd's brother, Terrence, was part of a ceremony on Friday to premiere the statue ... the Union Square installation is called "#SeeInjustice" and the three pieces each stand at 6 feet tall. They're made from layers of African mahogany plywood and then finished with bronze paint.

It was of course Floyd's killing at the hands of Minneapolis cop, Derek Chauvin, that catapulted the civil justice movement across the United States. Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for the murder.

At the time of this post, there have not yet been any arrests made in connection to the vandalism.

Brian Laundrie is alive and on the run ... at least according to a Florida man who insists he came face-to-face with Gabby Petito's fiance.

Dennis Davis claims he was hiking on the Appalachian Trail Saturday when says he saw a dazed man on a deserted road ... right at the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Davis says the man pulled his car up to his and asked for directions to California, but he did not want to take the Interstate ... he wanted to use back roads.

Davis says one of Dog the Bounty Hunter's daughters sent him audio of Laundrie's voice and says it was definitely a match, adding "There is no doubt in my mind I spoke to Brian Laundrie, none whatsoever" ... this according to the New York Post.

Davis went on to tell the Post Laundrie said, "Man, I'm lost ... me and my girlfriend got in a fight but she called me, told me she loves me, and I have to get to California to see her."

He says Laundrie was driving a light-colored pickup truck, like a Ford F-150 and was wearing a bandana.

Brian Laundrie's family can't seem to get any peace and quiet (shocker) -- evidenced in the ongoing swarm of protesters who continue to camp outside their home ... and whom cops have now had to confront with threats of tickets.

A meager-sized crowd was gathered outside the Laundrie home Saturday, where there were several people shouting from the street across the way ... with chants like, "Hey hey, ho ho ... the dirty Laundrie's got to go," among other things.

There's also a makeshift memorial honoring Gabby Petito that has been assembled on the front lawn of the Laundries ... so yeah, the heat is very much still on for them from their community members.

However, it seems one guy who was on a megaphone -- demanding they give up their still-missing son, be truthful with the cops and stop hiding from scrutiny -- was too much for the family ... as they seem to have called 911 to break up the crowd, and sure enough -- cops showed.

Looks like he might've been violating a noise ordinance there -- and the North Port police officers proved it by measuring the volume level with a decibel reader ... informing the gentleman that he was, in fact, too loud on the thing -- and had to drop it, or else.

Boosie Badazz performed for all of 2 minutes Friday night when a fight broke out on stage ... and it got so insane promoters pulled the plug on the entire concert.

It went down in Atlanta at the "Legendz of the Streetz" concert with an all-star ensemble which included 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Lil Kim, Gucci Mane, and Fabolous.

A couple minutes into Boosie's set, someone came down from the DJ booth and started swinging at another guy on stage. Unclear what triggered his anger.

Check out the video ... Boosie, in white pants and a pink jacket, is standing at the front of the stage, and when he eyes the fight he beelines it for the action and jumps right in.

You see a security guard guiding Boosie off stage while the fighting escalates ... speakers are knocked over and basically, they all start trashing the joint.

That was enough for the venue ... the house lights went up and the show was over.

There were no injuries to speak of and cops weren't called.

Bill Maher has a point ... "Brian Laundrie was not an interesting person until he became a person of interest" ... an example of what the "Real Time" host believes is a cultural crisis.

Maher railed on #VanLife ... where young people meander around the country, chronicling every boring move ... as if it can substitute for meaningful work.

He's merciless in his criticism ... "You've figured out how to monetize f****** off."

Maher notes ... content creators and influencers are the fastest-growing small business out there ... 52 million around the globe.

He clearly has beef with the coverage of the Gabby Petito murder, and sets his sights on Laundrie, who he says by all rights should be working at a Del Taco drive-thru. He thinks the videos he and Gabby shot during their travels were mind-numbingly uninteresting.

Paul Riley -- head coach of the North Carolina Courage -- was fired on Thursday after he was accused of sexual coercion against multiple former NWSL players.

The Athletic report accuses Riley of sexual coercion -- sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and homophobic rhetoric while working with multiple leagues and teams dating back to 2010.

Once the Courage got wind of the news, Riley was canned.

"The Courage support the players who have come forward and we commend them for bravely sharing their stories," the team said in a statement.

Two former NWSL players went public with their alleged experiences playing for Riley ... with Sinead Farrelly saying she "felt under his control."

Meleana "Mana" Shim added ... "I felt from the beginning like I owed him."

The NWSLPA tweeted a statement saying systemic abuse plaguing the NWSL must not be ignored.

"We refuse to be silent any longer," the statement says. "Our commitment as players is to speak truth to power. We will no longer be complicit in a culture of silence that has enabled abuse and exploitation in our league and our sport."

NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird responded to the incident by saying she was "shocked and disgusted" by the allegations.

As for Riley, he tells The Athletic the majority of the accusations being tossed at him are "completely untrue."