PORTLAND, Ore. – Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez is asking a judge to authorize the involuntary medication of former professional wrestler William Albert “Billy Jack” Haynes so he can stand trial for murder.
Prosecutors Push for Court-Ordered Treatment
In a court filing submitted on August 25, Vasquez and Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin cited a psychological evaluation from the Oregon State Hospital indicating that Haynes is unlikely to be found fit to stand trial without being medicated.
A judge had previously ruled earlier this year that Haynes was unfit to proceed due to mental health concerns. Prosecutors argue that without medical intervention, the trial cannot move forward.
Also Read
Haynes, who rose to fame in the 1980s wrestling circuit under the name Billy Jack Haynes, faces serious charges that have drawn both local and national attention.
Hearings Scheduled
Haynes’ trial is currently scheduled to begin in December 2025, but prosecutors say that timeline is in jeopardy if his competency is not restored.
According to court records, a judge will take up the request for involuntary medication at a hearing set for October 17. Haynes is expected to be present.
Before then, a competency review hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Legal experts note that these review sessions typically do not result in major decisions, but instead provide updates on a defendant’s mental health status.
The Case Against Haynes
Haynes, now in his 60s, was arrested in early 2024 after a fatal shooting in Portland’s Lents neighborhood. Police said one person was killed and another detained following reports of gunfire. Haynes was later charged with murder in connection with the incident.
Since his arrest, questions about his mental fitness have delayed proceedings. The Oregon State Hospital has conducted multiple evaluations, with doctors concluding that treatment, including the use of medication, is necessary for him to meaningfully participate in his defense.
Legal and Ethical Debate
The request for involuntary medication is not without controversy. Such orders require the court to weigh a defendant’s constitutional rights against the state’s interest in moving forward with prosecution. Judges must consider whether the medication is medically appropriate, necessary to restore competency, and unlikely to have side effects that would interfere with the defendant’s ability to assist in their case.
If granted, the order would compel Haynes to take psychiatric medications even against his will — a step prosecutors say is the only way to ensure the trial happens.
What Comes Next
For now, Haynes remains in custody as the legal process unfolds. The October hearing will be a pivotal moment in determining whether the trial can proceed on schedule.
If the court authorizes the medication, Haynes could be declared competent in time for his December trial. If not, the case could face significant delays or even risk dismissal if competency cannot be restored.
As prosecutors push forward, the community waits for resolution in a case that has already been marked by tragedy, spectacle, and complex legal questions.
