Will Hayden Crime: The Dark Story Behind the Motorcycle Icon
Contents
Who is Will Hayden?
Will Hayden is an American motorcycle builder and owner of the popular TV show "Son’s of Guns", which aired on the Discovery Channel from 2011 to 2014. Hayden is a celebrated figure in the motorcycle industry, known for his craftsmanship, innovative designs, and iconic motorcycle builds. However, beneath the surface of his charismatic personality and stunning motorbikes lies a web of controversy and alleged crime.
The Inciting Incident: the Jessica Yates Rape Case
In August 2012, just two years after the launch of "Son’s of Guns", the show was suspended indefinitely amid allegations of rape, kidnap, and aggravated arson against Hayden. The criminal charges stemmed from a December 2011 incident where Hayden allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl, Jessica Yates. According to court records, Hayden met Yates, an aspiring model, through her father, who worked for his TV show.
| December 2011 | Will Hayden meets 17-year-old Jessica Yates through her father. |
| 2012 | Hayden charged with rape, kidnapping, and aggravated arson. |
| 2014 | Hayden released from prison after serving approximately 4 years. |
How did this happen?
The incident unfolded in shocking fashion. According to evidence presented in court, Hayden used force, threats, and deception to coerce Yates into committing the sexual acts he requested. Yates reported the incident to police months later, prompting a sting operation that led to Hayden’s arrest.
The Legal Proceedings: Arrest, Trial, and Sentence
On March 26, 2012, Will Hayden was arrested by Louisiana authorities and subsequently charged with first-degree rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated arson. At his trial, which concluded in June 2012, the prosecution presented witnesses, including Yates, who delivered a harrowing account of the alleged rape.
During the trial, it came to light that Hayden’s defense team claimed he suffered from dementia, although it was not explicitly linked to the crime. After hearing the evidence, the jury convicted Hayden on three counts of criminal charge, leading to life imprisonment with eligibility for probation after 20 years.
Why did it take so long for the allegations to surface?
Upon closer examination, discrepancies emerge around the timing of Hayden’s arrest. Prosecutors alleged that Yates reported the incident several times before, only for nothing to happen. These statements have sparked speculation that officials might have deliberately delayed or concealed Hayden’s arrest.
Several factors may have contributed to the delay:
- Pressure from the TV show production company to maintain Hayden’s reputation and the show’s popularity
- Loyalties within the small, insular motorcycle community may have led to a "blackout" on discussing or reporting the allegations
As the show continued airing new episodes, the situation had become public knowledge among some cast members but remained hidden from general audiences.
What Happens to the Show?
Discovery Channel, the network behind "Son’s of Guns", announced a production hiatus on the show until further notice. When producers eventually returned to resume production, Will Hayden resigned from the show** as a result of his allegations. The remaining cast and crew continued production under Hayden’s co-host and engineer, Nick Wilford, who has since developed an independent motorcycle shop and appears on various motorcycle and vehicle-related TV shows.
| August 2012 | TV show suspended indefinitely due to the allegations. |
| September 2013 | Hayden files a civil lawsuit against producers, alleging breach of contract and defamation. |
The Lingering Impact
Will Hayden spent approximately 4 years in prison before his conviction was overturned, and he was granted release in 2016 due to the uncorroborated "mental impairment" claim made at trial. Today, Hayden is no longer connected to the motorcycle world’s mainstream and is attempting a comeback, albeit at the fringes of the scene.
Jessica Yates and her family have pursued public awareness and support, particularly in Louisiana, focusing on the importance of consent and reporting assault, and encouraging others who might be experiencing similar circumstances.
"Son’s of Guns" fans remain skeptical about the original portrayal of Hayden’s motorcycle legacy, as well as concerns about the lacked transparency during his investigation and subsequent resignation.
For many, the image of Will Hayden once cherished has become tarnished, a symbol of manipulation and abuse, forcing motorcyclists and society alike to confront the darkest of realities.
