Retired Wrestler Billy Jack Haynes Accused of Killing 85-Year-Old Wife in Portland, Oregon

Wrestling Superstar Billy Jack Haynes attends the Big Event at the LaGuardia Plaza on March 9, 2019 in Flushing, New York. (Credit: George Napolitano/MediaPunch /IPX). On Feb. 8, 2024, Haynes is accused of shooting and killing his 85-year-old wife, Janette Becraft, at their home in Portland, Oregon. (Becraft: Portland Police Bureau)

A retired professional wrestler known as “Billy Jack” Haynes is facing serious allegations after being accused of shooting and killing his 85-year-old wife at their home in Portland, Oregon.

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The Portland Police Bureau received a report of a shooting at a residence on Southeast 100th Avenue in Portland at around 10 a.m. on Thursday, according to a press release. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the suspect, identified as 70-year-old William “Billy Jack” Haynes, Jr. However, Haynes refused to cooperate and barricaded himself inside the house.

In response to the standoff, the Special Emergency Reaction Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team were called in to assist in bringing the suspect into custody. The situation continued for several hours, with police urging neighbors to secure their homes and stay indoors. Eventually, Haynes surrendered himself to the authorities. Upon entering the residence, officers discovered the lifeless body of Haynes’ wife, Janette Becraft, who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

Haynes is currently under police custody at a hospital due to an unrelated medical condition. Once he is released, he will be transported to jail to face formal charges. At this time, the specific charges he will be facing have not been disclosed by the police.

Known for his professional wrestling career in the 1980s and 90s, “Billy Jack” Haynes gained recognition for his participation in the undercard match titled “The Battle of the Full Nelsons” at the World Wrestling Federation’s WrestleMania III in 1987. He also competed in various regional markets, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Florida. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his career, but he continued wrestling until the mid-1990s. In 2016, Haynes unsuccessfully attempted to sue the WWF, alleging that the company had neglected the head injuries sustained by their wrestlers.

The news of the alleged murder has left neighbors in shock. Steve Odri, speaking to local Fox affiliate KPTV, described Haynes and Becraft as a kind couple. Odri stated, “He told me, ‘Come on by anytime you’d like.’ We’ll sit down and have a beer. He was just your average Joe guy to me and one of my favorite heroes when I was a kid.” He added, “He is a sweetheart of a guy.”

Breelyn Matthieu, who took care of Becraft as she suffered from dementia, revealed that Haynes had recently returned home after being hospitalized for broken ribs caused by a fall. “He said he came home because he couldn’t stand being away from her,” Matthieu shared.

As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge. The wrestling community and local residents are grappling with the shocking news surrounding the retired wrestling superstar.

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