A deeply disturbing case from Alaska has shocked people across the US. Police say a man travelled thousands of kilometres from Arizona after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, allegedly to attack his ex-wife.
The situation turned tragic when he opened fire near her workplace and later killed her elderly father. The suspect himself was found dead the next day, leaving many unanswered questions about his final actions and motive.
What happened in Anchorage, Alaska
The incident took place on Saturday in Anchorage, Alaska. According to police reports, 61-year-old Matthew Becker waited outside a hair salon owned by his ex-wife. Authorities say he was sitting in a car parked next to hers when she arrived at work.
As the woman walked toward the salon entrance, she reportedly noticed something unusual with the door lock, as her key would not fit properly. At that moment, she saw Becker inside the nearby car. Police say she did not know he was in Alaska, as he had moved to Arizona after their divorce.
Soon after, Becker allegedly stepped out of the vehicle and started moving toward her. According to the complaint, he then pulled out a pistol and fired multiple shots. The woman managed to run away and hide near nearby businesses, escaping without injury. After Becker left the scene, she contacted the police.
Attack on her father
Fearing for her family’s safety, the woman told officers she was worried about her father, 87-year-old Romaine Clark, who lived with her. When police went to check on him, they found him dead at the house.
Investigators believe Becker went straight from the salon to the residence. Police say he fired shots through a glass window at the back of the home, killing Clark. The elderly man’s body was later discovered by friends who had come to pick him up for an outing.
This part of the case has especially saddened the community, as Clark was not directly involved in the earlier confrontation but still became a victim.
Suspect found dead a day later
After the attacks, Becker fled the area. Authorities searched for him and later found him dead the next day in a wooded area of Eagle River, near Anchorage.
Police have not yet confirmed how he died. Reports suggest he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but officials have not shared full details about his medical condition or whether it played a role in the incident.
Background of the accused
Matthew Becker was known as a stand-up comedian and also owned a comedy club called Chuckleheads in Bisbee, Arizona. According to reports, he had been living in Arizona since his divorce in 2020.
Investigators say he now faced serious charges, including first-degree murder and third-degree assault, before his death. However, with the suspect no longer alive, the legal process will not move forward in the usual way.
Key details of the case
Here is a simple overview of the incident:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Matthew Becker, 61 |
| Location | Anchorage, Alaska |
| Origin of suspect | Arizona, USA |
| Victim | Romaine Clark, 87 |
| Target | Ex-wife (survived) |
| Charges | First-degree murder, third-degree assault |
| Outcome | Suspect found dead in woods |
Police investigation and unanswered questions
Police are still investigating the case and have not released the exact cause of Becker’s death. Officers are also trying to understand his full motive, including whether his reported illness influenced his actions.
The incident highlights how personal conflicts, when combined with emotional stress and extreme decisions, can lead to tragic outcomes. It also raises concerns about safety in cases involving estranged relationships, especially when one party unexpectedly reappears.
