Posted By James Walsh on 04/28/26


In February 2024, former professional wrestler Billy Jack Haynes was arrested at his Portland home following a tense two-hour police standoff, having allegedly fatally shot his wife. Initially, the 72-year-old was ruled mentally unfit for trial in May 2025. Still, following treatment at Oregon State Hospital, KATU.com has now reported he has been declared competent to face second-degree murder charges, with court proceedings scheduled for 2027.

“Multnomah County judge on Friday scheduled the date to begin the murder trial of 72-year-old William Albert Haynes Jr. for next year after the former Portland wrestler was found fit to proceed in his defense, according to court documents. Police arrested Haynes, better known as Billy Jack Haynes, in February 2024, accusing him of shooting and killing his 85-year-old wife, Janette Becraft.” – KATU.com

Born in Portland, Oregon, Haynes began his wrestling journey in 1982 after initially training in Stu Hart’s legendary Dungeon. Subsequently, he competed in Stampede Wrestling and went on to join WWE in 1986. There he wrestled Hercules Hernandez in the unforgettable “Battle of the Full Nelsons” match at WrestleMania III, but after a brief spell in WCW, he retired in the mid-1990s.