Romaine Clark, 87, was found dead inside his Anchorage home Saturday morning after police say his ex-son-in-law opened fire through a plate glass window, striking and killing the elderly man before fleeing the scene.
Background
Mathew Thomas Becker, 61, had been living in Arizona since his divorce from Clark's daughter, according to court documents. The ex-wife told police she was unaware Becker had returned to Alaska.
The violence began Saturday morning when the woman attempted to open her Anchorage hair salon and noticed something was wrong with the lock — she couldn't fit her key in, she told investigators. As she examined the door, she saw Becker sitting in a nearby car.
Becker got out of the vehicle and began shooting at her, according to police. The woman fled as Becker jumped back into his car and sped away.
She contacted Anchorage police to report the shooting attempt and expressed concern about her elderly father, who lived with her. Investigators believe Becker went directly to the residence after failing to kill his ex-wife.
Friends who had planned an outing with Clark discovered his body inside the home minutes before officers arrived on scene.
Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case described the scene: friends were waiting to meet up with the victim and went inside when he hadn't come out. They discovered the body and notified police.
The Investigation
Anchorage police launched an immediate manhunt for Becker, warning the public that he was armed and dangerous. The Alaska Department of Public Safety issued a statewide alert.
Officers responded to the scene after friends found Clark's body. Based on preliminary evidence, investigators believe Becker approached the rear of the residence and fired several rounds through a plate glass window.
Becker's body was discovered just before 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the woods near Anchorage, authorities said. The Alaska State Medical Examiner's Office will determine his cause of death.
Becker owned a comedy club in Bisbee, Arizona, according to his brother who spoke with KTUU. Family members said he had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
Anchorage police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both deaths. No charges have been filed against Becker since he is deceased.
Key Takeaways
- Romaine Clark, 87, was shot and killed inside his Anchorage home Saturday morning
- Mathew Thomas Becker, 61, was the ex-son-in-law of the victim
- Becker allegedly attempted to kill his ex-wife at her hair salon before going to the residence
- Friends found Clark's body minutes before police arrived
- Becker was found dead in woods near Anchorage on Sunday morning
- The medical examiner will determine Becker's cause of death
- Becker owned a comedy club in Bisbee, Arizona and had recently been diagnosed with cancer
What's Next
The Alaska State Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine how Becker died. Anchorage police continue to investigate the events leading up to both deaths and are gathering additional evidence from the crime scene.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to piece together the full sequence of events.