Ex-WWE star accused of shooting dead his ex-wife before three-hour stand-off

11 February 2024 , 23:26

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Former wrestler Billy Jack Haynes has been taken into custody. (Image: YouTube)

Former WWE star Billy Jack Haynes, 70, has been accused by police of shooting and killing his 85-year-old wife, Janette Becraft. The incident led to a three-hour stand-off with the police at their home in Portland, Oregon.

Haynes, whose real name is William Albert Haynes, was a well-known figure in the Portland wrestling scene and had appeared at WrestleMania III. He is now suspected of killing his wife on Thursday morning.

After reports of a shooting, tactical teams arrived at the house, but Haynes reportedly refused to leave, sparking a stand-off with the police. He eventually surrendered and was taken into custody. Inside the house, police found Becraft shot dead.

The motive for the alleged killing has not been released and formal charges have yet to be announced. After retiring from wrestling, Haynes had reportedly settled down at the house.

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Becraft was the mother of another pro-wrestler, Tod Becraft, who fought under the name Tod Ruhl. Haynes and Tod were best friends and met when they were nine years old. When Becraft's husband Dwight died, she married Haynes.

An obituary for Tod Becraft, who died in 2021, reads: "Billy Jack Haynes was Tod's best friend. They met when Tod was nine years old. After Dwight passed away, Janette and Billy Jack married. Janette named her guinea pig Lil' Todster, after her beloved son."

Becraft's daughter, Kim Becraft Finlay, wrote a Facebook tribute saying: 'You are now flying with the Angels. They are lucky to have such a beautiful soul. Love you Mom.' Her niece, Sue Becraft, highlighted the struggles of their family following Jan's death in a heartbreaking post.

Former wrestler Billy Jack Haynes has been taken into custody. (YouTube)

She described the pain, writing of "hearing the pain and heartbreak in her voice."

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Neighbours also shared their shock at the tragedy. One had said that he used to chat about old wrestling times with Haynes. He was quoted saying: "He was telling me all kinds of stories about old wrestling and I told him how I used to go watch him."

Another neighbour Brelynn Matthieu expressed grief: "I was pretty decently close to both of them and loved them very much. It's a really sad day, all around."

Haynes is now in police custody at a hospital dealing with a medical condition unrelated to his case. The police stated: 'Once he is released from the hospital, which may be days from now, he is expected to be booked into jail. Haynes' charges will be released once he is booked.'

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Charlie Wilson