An Arizona man who had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer reportedly traveled thousands of miles to Alaska and opened fire on his ex-wife before dying a day later in the woods. According to Law & Crime, 61-year-old Matthew Becker waited outside his ex-wife’s hair salon in Anchorage on Saturday before allegedly shooting at her. Authorities say she survived the attack after running toward nearby businesses for safety.
After the salon shooting, investigators say Becker went to the home where his former father-in-law, 87-year-old Romaine Clark, lived in the Airport Heights area. Officials believe Becker shot Clark through a rear window of the residence. Clark later died from his injuries. Becker was facing charges of first-degree murder and third-degree assault before his own death.
The couple had divorced in 2020.
Second Shooting at Airport Heights Home
Police say Becker’s ex-wife told investigators she feared for her father’s safety after escaping the salon shooting.
Authorities believe Becker went directly to the residence and fired shots through a window at the back of the home. Friends of Clark said he had plans for an outing that day and was discovered before police arrived.
Becker Found Dead in Eagle River
One day after the shootings, Becker was reportedly found dead in a wooded area of Eagle River. His brother confirmed the discovery and stated that the cause of death remains unknown.
Authorities have not released further details regarding how Becker died. It has been reported that Becker was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. However, officials have not clarified when the diagnosis occurred or whether it influenced the events leading up to the shootings.
Becker’s brother said he previously worked as a stand-up comedian and owned a comedy club called Chuckleheads in Bisbee.