Portland, OR – Retired wrestling star, Billy Jack Haynes, known for his impressive career in the ring, has been arrested under serious allegations. The 70-year-old has been accused of fatally shooting his 85-year-old wife, Janette Becraft, in their Oregon home.
The tragic incident unfolded in the Portland neighborhood of Lents on February 8, when police responded to reports of gunfire at around 10 a.m. Haynes refused to come out of the residence, prompting a two-hour standoff before he was taken into custody with the help of SWAT teams.
Regarded as a local fixture in the community, the couple’s close relationships were a stark contrast to the tragic events that transpired. A long-time friend and neighbor described them as beloved members of the community, with Haynes often sharing stories from his wrestling days with locals.
Reports also revealed that Becraft’s son from a prior relationship, Tod Becraft, shared a close childhood friendship with Haynes before the two eventually became family through marriage.
Known for his tenure in the World Wrestling Federation from 1986 to 1988, Haynes graced the famed 1987 Wrestlemania III card in Detroit. He later retired in 1995 after brief stints in smaller promotions.
In the years following his retirement, Haynes provided retrospective interviews, shedding light on his involvement with cocaine trafficking rings during the 1980s. He also made headlines in 2018 when he claimed to have witnessed the 1987 beating death of two Arkansas teens, although his recollections were never confirmed.
Haynes, alongside several other ex-wrestlers, took legal action against Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Entertainment in 2014, alleging failure to protect them from head injuries during their careers. Despite several appeals, the Supreme Court declined to take on the case in 2021.
As the investigation into the tragic incident continues, Haynes is expected to face murder charges once he is released from the hospital. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities that exist beneath the veneer of public personas, urging a deeper understanding of the people behind the headlines.