Billy Jack Haynes: Former WWE Star Arrested Over Wife's Murder
Portland police identified the suspect in the Lents neighborhood shooting as 70-year-old William Albert Haynes, also known as Billy Jack Haynes. He is suspected of fatally shooting his 85-year-old wife, Janette Becraft, leading to an hours-long police standoff. John Moore/Getty Images

Billy Jack Haynes, a former WWE star, is currently in police custody and is expected to be charged with murder, according to Wrestle Zone.

The Portland Police identified Haynes as the suspect in a fatal shooting that claimed the life of Janette Becraft, 85, who was revealed to be his wife.

The incident unfolded in the Lents Neighborhood on February 8, prompting tactical teams to respond to reports of a shooting.

According to the Portland Police, officers entered the residence and apprehended the former WWE star, who is now at a local hospital receiving treatment for a medical condition unrelated to the homicide or his interaction with law enforcement.

Once released, he is anticipated to be booked into jail, and charges will be disclosed at that time. Janette Becraft's cause of death was determined to be a homicide due to a gunshot wound, as confirmed by the Medical Examiner.

Details Surrounding the Alleged Murder and Family Connections

As of now, no motive has been disclosed for the alleged murder, and formal charges are pending, per the Daily Mail.

Haynes, who retired from wrestling, reportedly resided in the house where the tragic incident occurred.

The victim, Janette Becraft, was the mother of another professional wrestler, Tod Becraft, known in the ring as Tod Ruhl.

Haynes and Tod had a longstanding friendship since childhood, and they became closer when Becraft's husband, Dwight, passed away.

Subsequently, Janette and Billy Jack Haynes married.

Tod Becraft passed away in 2021, and an obituary highlighted the deep bond between him and Billy Jack Haynes.

Janette's daughter, Kim Becraft Finlay, expressed her grief on Facebook, describing her mother as a beautiful soul now flying with the angels.

"You are now flying with the Angels. They are lucky to have such a beautiful soul. Love you, Mom," Finlay posted.

Another family member, Sue Becraft, lamented the tragic loss, recounting the efforts made to protect Janette from an abusive situation.

"When a family member is murdered, as my Aunt Jan was this past Thursday morning in Portland, all that comes flooding back is the endless work her daughter did to get her away from her abuser," Sue wrote.

"She loved her mother deeply and did all she could, but services she called to help her only failed her and Jan," she added.

Billy Jack Haynes Wrestling Career and Legal Battles

The former WWE star gained prominence during his run in the World Wrestling Federation from 1986 to 1988, earning a spot on the famed 1987 Wrestlemania III card in Detroit.

After brief tenures in smaller promotions, he retired from professional wrestling in 1995, the NY Post noted.

Born as William Haynes Jr., he later spoke openly about his involvement with cocaine trafficking rings in the 1980s in retrospective interviews.

The former WWE star claimed in 2018 to have witnessed the beating death of two Arkansas teens in 1987 during a drug deal involving corrupt local police.

These recollections were never substantiated.

Alongside other ex-wrestlers, Billy Jack Haynes sued Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment in 2021, alleging failure to protect them from head injuries during their careers.

The Supreme Court declined to take on the case in 2021 after several appeals.

Billy Jack Haynes is expected to face murder charges.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Former pro wrestler in custody after allegedly killing wife in Southeast Portland - From KGW News