Summary

Billy Jack Haynes has been found fit to proceed in the criminal case stemming from the death of his wife, Janette Becraft.

William Albert Haynes III, better known to wrestling fans as Billy Jack Haynes, was charged in February 2024 with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon after he was accused of fatally shooting Becraft. He was later ruled unfit to assist in his own defense.

That status has now changed. According to the latest court update, Haynes was found to have gained fitness to proceed in February, and the case now has a trial window set for next year, from April 26 through May 7.

Case timeline

The criminal case has moved through several major stages since the original charge was filed in 2024.

In addition to the murder and weapon charges, an elder abuse lawsuit was filed against Haynes in May 2025 by Becraft's estate. The new ruling does not resolve the case, but it does allow the criminal proceedings to continue on a defined schedule.

Billy Jack Haynes' case and his wrestling legacy

For wrestling fans, this update means Billy Jack Haynes remains part of the news cycle because of the legal case, not because of anything connected to his in-ring career. It also marks a significant turn in the process itself, because the earlier ruling that he was unfit had paused the path toward a trial, and the new fitness finding puts that process back on track.

Sources

As reported by Fightful. As reported by KATU TV.