PORTLAND, Oregon — Former professional wrestler William Albert “Billy Jack” Hines Jr. has been taken into police custody in connection with the death of his wife in Portland, authorities said.
Hines, 70, was in police custody at a local hospital, undergoing treatment “for a medical condition unrelated to the homicide or his contact with law enforcement,” Portland police said in a statement over the weekend. Police said charges will be announced when Haynes is booked into jail.
Police have identified Hines as the suspect in the fatal shooting of 85-year-old Janet Becraft. On Thursday, police said they responded to reports of a shooting in a Portland neighborhood and requested assistance from special teams, including crisis negotiators. KGW-TV It was reported that Haynes was arrested after two hours of negotiations. Police found Becraft dead inside the home.
A police spokesman on Monday did not answer questions about the case, including whether Haynes had been released from the hospital, citing the ongoing investigation. It is not known whether Haynes has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.
Police said Becraft's family requested privacy.
Haynes played a role Billy Jack Hines During a career that included competing in the World Wrestling Federation, now known as World Wrestling Entertainment.
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