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PORTLAND, Ore. – A former professional wrestler is in custody after police say he is suspected of shooting and killing his wife, who reportedly suffered from dementia.
A Portland Police Department news release identifies 70-year-old Portland resident William Albert Haynes Jr., who fought under the name Billy Jack Haynes, as the suspect in the death of his wife, Janette Becraft, of 85 years. The shooting occurred on February 8. at his home in Portland.
“(Haynes) is in police custody at a local hospital while receiving treatment for a medical condition unrelated to the homicide or his contact with authorities,” the news release said. “Once he is released from the hospital, which may be within a few days, he is expected to be booked into jail. Haynes’ charges will be released once he is booked.”
Haynes briefly wrestled with the World Wrestling Federation, now known as WWE, from 1986 to 1988. according to Wrestling Zone. The New York Times reports that he once wrestled Randy “Macho Man” Savage, and that he faced Hercules Hernandez at WrestleMania III in 1987. He last wrestled in 1995, and reportedly quit due to injuries.
Breelyn Matthieu, who lived next door to Haynes and his wife, tells the Oregonian that Becraft was dealing with dementia and often helped care for her.
Matthieu said he had recently been taking care of Becraft because Haynes was in the hospital receiving treatment for a rib injury from a fall. He said Haynes left the hospital because he missed his wife.
“He came back and told her, ‘You know I couldn’t be away from you,’” Matthieu tells the Oregoninan. “And she just rolled her eyes in a cute way.”
Matthieu’s father tells the Oregonian that the couple was “inseparable.”
“They adored each other,” Thomas Matthieu said. “Wherever they went they went hand in hand. It’s surreal.”