Jimmie Johnson is speaking publicly for the first time about the apparent murder-suicide that claimed the lives of three family members.

The NASCAR driver posted a statement on Instagram Friday, saying he’s devastated by the loss of his 11-year-old nephew Dalton and his wife Chandra‘s parents, Jack and Terry Lynn Janway. Jimmie also thanked well-wishers for their outpouring of love and support during his time of grief.

What’s interesting is that Jimmie made a point of mentioning Terry in his heartfelt message, showing compassion for his in-law despite police naming her as the suspect in the fatal shootings of Dalton and Jack before turning the gun on herself.

As we reported … police responded to the family’s Oklahoma home in June after receiving a 911 call from a woman who said she saw someone with a gun.

Cops found one person sprawled out dead in the hallway near the front door moments before a gunshot was heard elsewhere inside the house, where two more bodies were later discovered.

Johnson — a 7-time NASCAR Cup champion — tied the knot with Chandra in 2004 and they have two daughters together, Genevieve and Lydia.