Billy Jack Haynes: Ex-pro wrestler accused of fatally shooting his dementia-stricken wife in Portland home

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

PORTLAND, OREGON: Billy Jack Haynes, a former professional wrestler, has been accused of shooting and killing his 85-year-old wife, Janett Brecraft, who was suffering from dementia, at their residence in Portland, as per Law&Crime.

Haynes, who was subsequently arrested after the discovery, is being held in a hospital due to unrelated medical issues. Formal charges related to the death of his wife will be brought against him once he is discharged from the hospital. 

Billy Jack Haynes refused to cooperate with the police when they reached his Portland residence 

Portland Police Bureau officers swiftly responded just before 10 am on Thursday, February 8, after receiving reports of a shooting at a residence located in the 600 block of Southeast 100th Avenue.

Upon arrival at the scene, police encountered 70-year-old Haynes, who refused to cooperate and instead barricaded himself inside the home. Consequently, law enforcement called in the Special Emergency Reaction Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team to apprehend the suspect.

As the situation escalated into an hours-long standoff, police instructed residents to secure their doors and shelter in place as a precautionary measure. Eventually, Haynes surrendered himself.

Subsequently, upon entering the residence, officers discovered the lifeless body of his wife, Brecraft, who had sustained a gunshot wound. 

Who is Billy Jack Haynes?

Billy Jack Haynes rose to fame as a professional wrestler during the 1980s and 1990s.

His career highlights include a memorable undercard match known as "The Battle of the Full Nelsons" at the World Wrestling Federation's WrestleMania III in 1987.

Alongside this, he competed extensively in regional circuits, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Florida markets.

Despite his talent, injuries plagued his career, ultimately leading to its decline by the mid-1990s.

In 2016, he made an unsuccessful attempt to sue the WWF, alleging negligence regarding wrestlers' head injuries.

Neighbor says Billy Jack Haynes is a 'sweetheart of a guy'

One neighbor, Steve Odri, described the couple as kind-hearted, recalling, "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 kid."

Odri continued, affirming, "He is a sweetheart of a guy" 

Another neighbor, Breelyn Matthieu, mentioned that Brecraft was suffering from dementia, while Haynes had recently been hospitalized for broken ribs following a fall. 

Matthieu explained, "He said he came home because he couldn’t stand being away from her."