Former WWF Wrestler Billy Jack Haynes Accused Of Shooting And Killing His Own Wife
Ex-pro wrestler Billy Jack Haynes allegedly shot and killed his wife at their residence in Oregon, as reported by the police.
Haynes, 70, was apprehended on Thursday and subsequently transported to a local hospital, according to a press release from local law enforcement. His identification took place on Saturday, with authorities clarifying that his condition at the time was deemed unrelated to the alleged homicide or his interaction with law enforcement. The statement also mentioned the possibility of him spending several days in the hospital.
The lifeless body of Janette Becraft was discovered within the couple's residence in the Lents neighborhood of Portland. Authorities confirmed that Becraft had been fatally shot.
Responding to a call around 9 a.m. on Thursday, officers engaged in an extended standoff with Haynes at the residence before he eventually surrendered, as confirmed by the Portland police.
Friends and neighbors expressed shock at the news, with Thomas Matthieu telling 'The Oregonian,' "Everywhere they went, they were hand in hand. It's surreal."
Recently hospitalized for broken ribs from a fall, the ex-pro wrestler, legally known as William Albert Haynes III, reportedly checked himself out of the hospital earlier in the week. According to neighbors, he conveyed to Becraft, 85, that he couldn't bear being separated from her.
Born in Portland, Haynes returned to the city after concluding his wrestling career. Having performed for various promotions, he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1986. Notably, he participated in Wrestlemania III in 1987, engaging in a memorable bout with Hercules Hernandez at Detroit's Pontiac Silverdome.
After Haynes is released from the hospital, he will be booked and jailed on unknown charges, according to NBC News.
