Former pro wrestler Billy Jack Haynes charged with murder in wife’s death
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Former pro wrestler William Albert “Billy Jack” Haynes, Jr. was released from a hospital Wednesday afternoon and was taken to jail on murder charges, the Portland Police Bureau announced.
Haynes was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center for charges of murder in the second degree and unlawful use of a weapon, officials announced. Haynes had previously been hospitalized while in police custody for what officials said was a medical issue not connected to the alleged crime.
On Thursday, Feb. 8, police were called to a home in Portland’s Lents neighborhood for reports of a possible shooting. Officers then spent multiple hours trying to contact a man inside the home. Believing he may have been armed, authorities asked those in the area to shelter in place.
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Roughly two hours after police arrived on the scene, the man — later identified as Haynes — came out of the home and was detained.
When officers were able to get into the home, they found a woman, who was pronounced dead. She has since been identified as 85-year-old Janette Becraft and her death was ruled a homicide by gunshot wound. Becraft was identified by police as Hayne’s wife.
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