A former professional wrestler has been accused of shooting and killing his wife in the Lents neighborhood of SE Portland. The suspect, identified as 70-year-old William Albert Haynes, also known as Billy Jack Haynes, was taken into custody after an hours-long police standoff. The victim, 85-year-old Janette Becraft, was found dead from a single gunshot wound.
Billy Jack Haynes was a well-known figure in the old Portland wrestling scene. His fame and success eventually led him to the national stage of Wrestlemania. However, after retiring from wrestling, Haynes settled down in Portland’s Lents neighborhood with his wife, Janette Becraft. The couple was known for being friendly and kind-hearted, and they were beloved by their neighbors.
On Thursday, February 8, police responded to reports of a shooting inside Haynes’ home on SE 100th Avenue. Officers discovered the lifeless body of Janette Becraft, who had succumbed to a single gunshot wound. The neighborhood was immediately swarmed by law enforcement, and a standoff ensued as Haynes refused to surrender.
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After several hours, Haynes eventually gave himself up to the authorities. It was revealed that he had been suffering from a medical condition unrelated to the shooting and was receiving treatment at a local hospital. Once released, he will be booked into jail to face charges related to the crime.
The Lents neighborhood, where Haynes and Becraft lived, was left in shock by the tragic incident. Neighbors who knew the couple expressed their disbelief and sadness over the situation. Many described Haynes as a “sweetheart of a guy” and spoke highly of the couple’s friendly nature.
One neighbor, Steve Odri, shared his memories of Haynes, saying, “He was just your average Joe guy to me, and one of my favorite heroes when I was a kid.” The community, which includes a significant number of veterans, had a strong bond with the couple. It was a heartbreaking loss for everyone involved.
Billy Jack Haynes’ wrestling career was not without its share of controversy. In recent years, he made headlines for his involvement in a class-action lawsuit against the WWE. Haynes and 50 other former wrestlers alleged that the organization had failed to protect them from repeated head injuries, resulting in long-term brain damage.
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The lawsuit, which claimed that multiple concussions had led to Haynes’ health problems, including depression, reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 but was ultimately dismissed. The legal battle shed light on the potential dangers faced by professional wrestlers and brought attention to the need for better safety measures in the industry.
As Haynes awaits his release from the hospital and subsequent booking into jail, the community grapples with the tragic loss of Janette Becraft. The investigation into the shooting continues, and the exact charges Haynes will face have yet to be released.
The Lents neighborhood, known for its strong community spirit, will rally together to support one another during this difficult time. The impact of this incident will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, but the community will strive to heal and move forward, remembering the kind and friendly couple who were taken too soon.
