Portland, Oregon – A former professional wrestler has been arrested on suspicion of fatally shooting his wife in their home, according to the Portland Police Bureau.
William Albert Haynes Jr., 70, who is known as Billy Jack Haynes in the wrestling world, has been taken into police custody while receiving treatment for an unrelated medical condition at a local hospital. Haynes gained fame in the 1980s as a wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation, which later became WWE, and was even featured in Wrestlemania III.
The tragic incident unfolded on Thursday morning when officers responded to a shooting at a residence in the Lents neighborhood. The police encountered a “potential suspect” inside the home who was uncooperative, prompting the authorities to establish a security perimeter and advise residents to seek shelter with locked doors.
Tragically, officers discovered the lifeless body of 85-year-old Janette Becraft, Haynes’ wife, in their home. The medical examiner later confirmed that Becraft died from a gunshot wound, ruling her death a homicide.
Haynes has been detained in connection with the death of his wife and will face charges upon his release from the hospital. As of now, it is unclear whether he has legal representation. The details surrounding the tragic event and the motive behind the shooting remain undisclosed as the investigation continues.