Man diagnosed with cancer travels thousands of miles to try to kill ex-wife before dying

Anchorage, Alaska – A deeply disturbing series of events unfolded in Anchorage, Alaska, this past weekend, culminating in a murder, an attempted homicide, and the subsequent death of the perpetrator. Matthew Becker, a 61-year-old Arizona man reportedly grappling with a terminal cancer diagnosis, embarked on a cross-country journey to Alaska with the alleged intent to harm his former spouse. The violent spree resulted in the fatal shooting of his ex-wife’s 87-year-old father, Romaine Clark, and an attempt on his ex-wife’s life, before Becker was discovered dead a day later in a wooded area of Eagle River. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Anchorage community and raised questions about the complexities of domestic violence, mental health, and the impact of severe illness.

The Precipice of Violence: A Cross-State Journey

Matthew Becker, known in certain circles as a stand-up comedian and comedy club owner, particularly of Chuckleheads in Bisbee, Arizona, had been living in Arizona since his divorce in 2020. The geographical distance of thousands of miles between Arizona and Alaska did not deter what authorities describe as a premeditated act of violence. While the exact timeline of his cancer diagnosis remains unclear, his brother informed local Alaskan media, specifically KTUU, that Becker had recently received a terminal diagnosis. This personal crisis, though not an excuse for his actions, adds a somber layer to the tragic narrative, prompting a broader societal discussion on the intersection of severe illness and violent behavior, particularly in the context of domestic disputes.

The events that transpired on Saturday, March 16th, began with Becker allegedly stalking his ex-wife at her place of business, a hair salon in Anchorage. This act of lurking, meticulously detailed in the criminal complaint, underscores a disturbing level of planning and intent. The ex-wife, whose identity has been withheld for her protection, arrived at her salon, unaware of the imminent danger posed by her former husband who she believed was still residing in Arizona.

A Detailed Chronology of the Attack

The sequence of events, as pieced together from police reports and the criminal complaint, paints a vivid and chilling picture:

Saturday, March 16th – Morning: The Salon Ambush

• Arrival at the Salon: Becker’s ex-wife drove to her salon and parked her vehicle. Unbeknownst to her, Matthew Becker was already present, parked in a Nissan Altima directly adjacent to her car. This proximity suggests a deliberate positioning, allowing him to observe her arrival and execute his plan.
• Tampered Lock and Realization: As she approached the entrance of her business, the ex-wife attempted to unlock the door. She quickly realized that the lock had been tampered with, preventing her key from entering. This moment of frustration and confusion likely served as a precursor to her recognition of Becker.
• Confrontation and gunfire: It was at this critical juncture that Becker reportedly exited his vehicle and began advancing toward her. The criminal complaint notes her surprise, stating she "was unaware her ex-husband was in state." As Becker moved closer, she instinctively backed away, fearing for her life. Becker then produced a pistol and allegedly fired multiple shots in her direction as she desperately ran to escape.
• Escape and Police Notification: The ex-wife managed to flee her immediate vicinity, seeking refuge in an area with other businesses. She remained hidden until Becker departed the scene in his Altima, after which she immediately contacted the Anchorage Police Department, reporting the attempted shooting. Officers were dispatched to the scene, but Becker had already fled.

Saturday, March 16th – Afternoon: The Murder of Romaine Clark

• Fear for Her Father: Following the harrowing encounter at the salon, the ex-wife expressed immediate concern for her father, Romaine Clark, with whom she resided in the Airport Heights neighborhood. Her fear proved tragically prescient.
• Discovery of the Victim: Upon receiving the ex-wife’s urgent plea, Anchorage police officers promptly responded to Clark’s residence to conduct a welfare check. It was there that they made the grim discovery: Romaine Clark, an 87-year-old man, was found deceased, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
• Evidence of Forced Entry/Attack: Investigators believe Becker proceeded directly from the salon to Clark’s home. Evidence suggests he shot Clark through a plate-glass window at the rear of the residence, indicating a deliberate and brutal attack.
• Friends Discover the Scene: Adding to the tragedy, friends who were scheduled to meet with Clark for a planned outing arrived at the residence, only to discover the horrific scene. Their arrival underscores the active life Clark led, even at 87, and the sudden, violent end to it.

Sunday, March 17th: The Discovery of Matthew Becker’s Body

• Manhunt and Public Safety Alert: Following the violent incidents on Saturday, the Anchorage Police Department launched an intensive search for Matthew Becker, issuing a public alert describing him as "armed and dangerous." The community was advised to remain vigilant.
• Body Found in Eagle River: The search concluded tragically on Sunday when Becker’s body was discovered "in the woods" of Eagle River. The cause of his death has not yet been officially released by authorities, leaving open questions as to whether it was a suicide, an accidental death, or related to his terminal illness. The police press release confirmed the discovery of his body, effectively closing the active manhunt but opening a new facet of the investigation.

Legal Ramifications and Official Responses

Had Matthew Becker survived, he would have faced severe charges, including first-degree murder for the death of Romaine Clark and third-degree assault for the attempted shooting of his ex-wife. First-degree murder in Alaska typically involves premeditation and carries a potential sentence of 20 to 99 years in prison. Third-degree assault, involving the use of a weapon to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury, is a felony offense. With Becker’s death, the criminal charges are rendered moot, but the investigation into the full scope of the incident, including his cause of death, remains ongoing.

The Anchorage Police Department has maintained a professional and informative stance throughout the unfolding tragedy. Their swift response to the initial call, the subsequent investigation, and the public safety alerts were critical in managing the immediate crisis. While the primary criminal investigation regarding Becker’s actions concludes with his death, the police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his demise. This includes forensic analysis of the scene where his body was found and any potential connections to his reported terminal illness.

The Broader Implications: Domestic Violence and Terminal Illness

This incident casts a stark light on the persistent and often escalating issue of domestic violence. While the precise nature of Becker’s relationship with his ex-wife post-divorce is not fully detailed, the attack exemplifies how former partners can remain targets of violence, sometimes exacerbated by complex personal circumstances. Statistics from various national organizations consistently show that a significant portion of homicides in the United States stem from domestic disputes, with many occurring after a separation or divorce. The fact that Becker traveled thousands of miles suggests a deep-seated grievance and a level of determination that is particularly alarming.

The reported terminal cancer diagnosis of Matthew Becker adds a distressing layer to this narrative. While a medical diagnosis can never excuse violent behavior, the psychological impact of such news can be profound, potentially leading to desperation, depression, and distorted thinking. Mental health professionals often note that individuals facing severe illnesses may experience extreme emotional distress, which, in rare and tragic cases, can manifest in destructive ways, particularly if pre-existing psychological issues or violent tendencies are present. However, it is crucial to emphasize that the vast majority of individuals facing terminal illnesses do not resort to violence, and this aspect should not be generalized or used to stigmatize those suffering from serious diseases.

The incident also highlights the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence, especially when perpetrators are willing to cross state lines. Such geographical distances can create a false sense of security for victims and complicate protective orders or restraining mandates. For communities like Anchorage, such a brazen act of violence impacts public safety perceptions and can leave lasting emotional scars on residents, particularly those who knew the victims or the perpetrator.

Community Response and Moving Forward

The Anchorage community, known for its resilience, is now left to process this harrowing event. Romaine Clark, an octogenarian, was an active member of his community, and his sudden, violent death is a profound loss. His friends’ discovery of the scene underscores the close-knit nature of many Alaskan communities and the immediate impact such tragedies have on personal networks. The ex-wife, having endured an attempted murder and the loss of her father, faces an unimaginable recovery process. Support services for victims of domestic violence and trauma will be crucial in the aftermath of this tragedy.

As the Anchorage Police Department continues its investigation into the exact cause of Matthew Becker’s death, the community grapples with the senseless violence that shattered a quiet Saturday. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden battles individuals may face, the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression, and the critical importance of vigilance, support for victims, and addressing the underlying factors that can lead to such profound acts of violence. The full story, including the precise motivations and the final moments of Matthew Becker, may never be completely known, but the impact on the victims and the community will undoubtedly endure.