Alaska Comedy Club Owner With Terminal Cancer Kills Ex-Father-in-Law, Hunts Ex-Wife Before Dying

Mathew Thomas Becker, 61, shot his ex-father-in-law and attempted to murder his ex-wife before his own death in the woods.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:27am

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A 61-year-old comedy club owner in Alaska named Mathew Thomas Becker, who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, is dead after gunning down his ex-father-in-law and attempting to kill his ex-wife outside her business. Becker shot and killed his former father-in-law, Romaine Clark, inside a nearby residence just minutes after trying to shoot his ex-wife as she arrived at her hair salon. Becker then fled the scene, sparking a manhunt that ended the next day when his body was found in a wooded area.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact that a terminal illness diagnosis can have on someone's mental state and the potential for violence, even within a family. It also raises questions about access to firearms for those dealing with serious health issues and the need for better support systems for those facing terminal diagnoses.

The details

According to police, Becker first approached his ex-wife's hair salon and shot at her as she was arriving for work, but she was able to hide and call 911. Minutes later, Becker went to the nearby home of his former father-in-law, Romaine Clark, and shot him dead through a plate-glass window. Becker's ex-wife told police she did not know he had returned to Alaska after moving to Arizona following their divorce. Becker was the owner of a comedy club called Chuckleheads in Arizona.

  • On March 14, 2026, Becker shot at his ex-wife outside her hair salon around 9:30 a.m.
  • Minutes later, Becker killed his ex-father-in-law Romaine Clark inside his home.
  • Becker's body was found by authorities in a wooded area in Eagle River on March 15, 2026 around 10:30 a.m.

The players

Mathew Thomas Becker

A 61-year-old comedy club owner in Alaska who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Romaine Clark

Becker's former father-in-law, who Becker shot and killed inside his home.

Becker's ex-wife

Becker's former wife, whom he attempted to shoot outside her hair salon before killing her father.

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What they’re saying

“Based on preliminary evidence it appears the suspect went to the rear of the residence, fired a couple of rounds through a plate-glass window, striking and killing the victim and then fleeing the scene.”

— Sean Case, Anchorage Police Chief

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact that a terminal illness diagnosis can have on someone's mental state and the potential for violence, even within a family. It underscores the need for better support systems and resources for those facing serious health crises, as well as the importance of addressing access to firearms for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.