The man accused of a deadly shooting in Portland's Lents neighborhood last Thursday was booked on murder charges after being discharged from the hospital, city officials confirmed. The suspect, 70-year-old William Albert Haynes, Jr., faces a second-degree murder charge and unlawful use of a weapon, following the death of Janette Becraft, who was revealed to be his wife.
Following his stay at a local hospital due to an undisclosed medical issue, when unrelated to the crime or his subsequent arrest, Haynes was transferred to the Multnomah County Detention Center. Released just this afternoon, prisoner Haynes is now behind bars, as per the Portland Police Bureau. Detailed information about the charges was pending until his booking was formalized.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities providing updates as they become available. The tragic event has stirred questions within the community about the circumstances leading to the violence. The authorities have not released any further details on the motive or the condition under which Haynes was hospitalized.
In an earlier statement, the Portland Police Bureau shed light on the identity of the suspect and affirmed their commitment to transparency, with further information to be disseminated through news releases "as appropriate to the investigation." Residents of the Lents neighborhood and beyond grapple now with the reality of a distressing domestic incident turned fatal.
Details concerning Haynes’ arraignment and potential court dates have not been made public. However, the community waits as the wheels of justice begin to churn, seeking closure for a crime that occurred too close to home. For the latest updates on this case, click here.
