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Billy Jack Haynes unfit to stand trial in wife’s murder

Posted: May 16th 2025 By: Joseph Currier

Former pro wrestler Billy Jack Haynes (William Albert Haynes III) is unfit to stand trial in his wife’s murder, a judge in Oregon has ruled.

Haynes, 71, was arrested in February 2024 and is accused of shooting his wife Janette Becraft to death. He is facing charges of second degree murder and the unlawful use of a weapon, but a status check took place this week where the judge declared that Haynes is mentally unfit to stand trial. He has been sent to Oregon State Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Haynes will remain there until able to stand trial.

“A Multnomah County Judge Wednesday ordered William Albert Haynes be sent to the Oregon State Hospital, ruling he is unfit to assist in his own defense,” KATU News in Portland wrote.

“A copy of the order signed by Judge Angela Lucero cites a report by a certified evaluator that looked at Haynes’ behavior at the hearing, statements from his attorneys, and stipulations from both the defense and prosecutors stating that he is unfit.”

The next step in the case is a fitness to proceed hearing scheduled for May 20. Haynes’ trial was supposed to begin in December 2025, but that will only happen if he’s deemed fit to contribute to his defense.

Becraft was 85 years old at the time of her death and was believed to be suffering from dementia.

Haynes was a wrestling star in Portland during his career and also had a run in the WWF that included competing at WrestleMania III. After his time wrestling, Haynes gave interviews where he spouted conspiracy theories that caused fans to speculate about his mental stability. A Dark Side of the Ring episode on Haynes premiered on Vice TV earlier this month.