Stand-Up Comedian with Terminal Cancer Travels to Alaska to Kill Ex-Wife, Found Dead in Woods a Day Later

A man from Arizona who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer traveled thousands of miles to Alaska to try to kill his ex- wife, according to police. The man then went on to attack the father of the victim, whom he murdered before being found dead a day later.

A 61-year-old Arizona man, identified as Matthew Becker, a stand-up comedian and owner of a comedy club, is facing charges of first-degree murder and third-degree assault. Becker traveled to Alaska intending to kill his ex-wife, and police said he lurked outside the salon she owned and fired multiple rounds when she tried to enter the business.

Becker then went on to attack the victim's father, identified as Romaine Clark, 87, whom Becker murdered. These attacks occurred on March 14, according to police. Authorities also said Becker was found dead a day later near the Eagle River, according to police.

Becker attacked Clark during a shooting spree in Anchorage, Alaska. According to police, it is not clear how Becker died, however, he was found in the woods the next day after attacking his ex-wife and former father-in-law.

According to his brother, who spoke to local media in Alaska, Becker had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Authorities said it is not clear when Becker was diagnosed.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by local NBC affiliate KTUU, the document outlines events leading up to the attempted murder of Becker's ex-wife.

The woman reportedly called the Anchorage Police Department to report that Becker, "had tried to shoot her," according to the complaint. Although officers responded to the scene, Becker fled before they arrived.

The ex-wife told police that when she arrived at her salon, she noticed a Nissan Altima parked next to her vehicle in front of the business. Becker was inside the car, according to the complaint.

The complaint explains that the woman said she started walking toward the entrance to unlock the door. While walking, "as she passed the silver Altima, she observed Becker seated in the driver's seat." The woman said she was not aware that her ex-husband was in the United States, as he had moved to Arizona after the divorce.

"The woman then said that as she reached the door of the salon, she attempted to unlock it but believed it had been tampered with as her key would not go into the lock," according to the complaint.

Becker then exited the vehicle and walked toward her.

The complaint states that as Becker advanced toward her, she backed away. It further states that Becker used a pistol and began firing multiple shots at her as she ran in fear for her life.

The woman also told authorities that she was concerned about her father, who lived with her, however, when officers went to check on him, Clark was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds.