PORTLAND, Ore. — Former professional wrestler William Albert “Billy Jack” Haynes Jr. has been taken into police custody in connection with the death of his wife in Portland, authorities said.
Portland police said in a statement over the weekend that Haynes, 70, was in police custody at a local hospital, where he was receiving treatment “for a medical condition unrelated to the homicide or his contact with law enforcement.” Police said charges would be announced when Haynes is booked into jail.
Haynes was identified by police as the suspect in the fatal shooting of 85-year-old Janette Becraft. Police said Thursday they responded to reports of a shooting in a Portland neighborhood and requested assistance from special teams, including crisis negotiators. KGW-TV reported that Haynes was held for two hours after two hours of negotiations. Police found Becraft dead in the house.
A police spokesman did not answer questions Monday about the case, including whether Haynes had been released from the hospital, citing the ongoing investigation. It was not known if Haynes had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
Police said Becraft’s family requested privacy.
Haynes performed as Billy Jack Haynes during a career that included competing in the World Wrestling Federation, now known as World Wrestling Entertainment.