Alaska Man Accused of Killing Roommate, Stealing Identity to Evade Prosecution

Suspect Aaron Hague allegedly lured another victim to Oregon and murdered him to further conceal his crimes.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged cell phone screen, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the destruction and violence of this crime.The damaged remains of a cell phone used to conceal a brutal murder expose the lengths some criminals will go to cover their tracks.Fairbanks Today

Aaron Hague, 37, was found guilty of manslaughter and other charges related to the 2020 disappearance and presumed death of his roommate, John McClelland, in what prosecutors say was a 'no body' homicide case. Hague is also accused of luring another man, Anthony Alcorn, from Anchorage to Oregon, where he allegedly beat Alcorn to death to steal his identity and avoid prosecution for McClelland's death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the lengths some criminals will go to cover up their tracks, using technology, identity theft, and even murder to evade justice. It also raises concerns about the challenges law enforcement faces in 'no body' homicide cases where physical evidence is limited.

The details

Prosecutors say Hague pretended McClelland was dying and texting his family 'on his deathbed' when in reality Hague had killed him. Hague then fled to Oregon, where he allegedly murdered Alcorn and stole his identity. Hague was eventually caught and convicted of manslaughter, theft, and tampering with evidence in the McClelland case, but still faces a trial for Alcorn's murder in Oregon.

  • In August 2020, Hague fled Fairbanks a day after being interviewed by Alaska State Troopers about McClelland's disappearance.
  • In October 2020, Hague used Alcorn's Ohio ID to fly to Seattle and then travel to Oregon, where he allegedly lured Alcorn to his death.
  • Hague is scheduled to be sentenced in the McClelland case on August 11 and then transported to Oregon to stand trial for Alcorn's murder.

The players

Aaron Hague

A 37-year-old Alaska man who was found guilty of manslaughter and other charges related to the 2020 disappearance and presumed death of his roommate, John McClelland. Hague is also accused of murdering another man, Anthony Alcorn, in Oregon to steal his identity and avoid prosecution for McClelland's death.

John McClelland

Hague's roommate in Fairbanks, Alaska, who disappeared in 2020 and is presumed dead. Prosecutors say Hague pretended McClelland was dying and texting his family 'on his deathbed' when in reality Hague had killed him.

Anthony Alcorn

A man from Anchorage, Alaska who Hague allegedly lured to Oregon, where he was beaten to death so Hague could steal his identity and avoid prosecution for McClelland's murder.

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What they’re saying

“We believe that he was 100% murdered.”

— Sgt. Jeremy Rupe, Investigator, Alaska State Troopers

“McClelland's brother Dan, who resided in Michigan ... had received suspicious text messages purportedly sent from McClelland that indicated that McClelland was sick in the hospital.”

— Fairbanks District Attorney's Office

What’s next

The judge in the Oregon case is expected to set a trial date later this year for Hague's murder trial in the death of Anthony Alcorn.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in 'no body' homicide cases, as well as the lengths some criminals will go to cover up their tracks through identity theft and even additional murders. It underscores the importance of thorough investigations and coordination between law enforcement agencies across state lines.