Former pro wrestler Billy Jack Haynes has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial in the murder case of his wife, Janette Becraft.
A Multnomah County judge in Oregon made the ruling this week, ordering the 71-year-old to be sent to Oregon State Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
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, reported KATU News in Portland.
Haynes was arrested in February 2024 and is facing charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon after allegedly shooting Becraft, 85, who was reportedly suffering from dementia at the time of her death.
According to court documents, a certified evaluator assessed Haynes behavior during the hearing and statements from his attorneys, leading to the decision that he cannot currently contribute to his own defense. The next step is a fitness to proceed hearing scheduled for May 20, where Haynes competency to stand trial will be reassessed.
Haynes gained wrestling fame in the 1980s, including a memorable run at WrestleMania III. In recent years, he made headlines for spouting conspiracy theories in interviews, raising concerns about his mental stability. Earlier this month, a Dark Side of the Ring episode focusing on Haynes aired on Vice TV.
Haynes trial was initially set to begin in December 2025, but that date is now uncertain as the court evaluates whether he can assist in his own defense.
