Man Convicted in ‘No-Body’ Killing of Still-Missing Roommate After Jury Rejects Murder Charge

In a significant development from Alaska, Aaron Hague, a 37-year-old man, has been convicted of manslaughter in connection with the presumed death of his roommate, John McClelland, who was 61 years old. The jury in Fairbanks also found Hague guilty of second-degree theft and tampering with evidence, according to a statement released by the Alaska Department of Law.

The case garnered public attention after concerns were raised regarding McClelland’s wellbeing. On August 20, 2020, Alaska State Troopers were requested to conduct a welfare check on McClelland. This request came from his brother, who resides in Michigan, after receiving unsettling text messages believed to be sent by McClelland. The messages suggested that he was unwell and needed substantial financial assistance, with requests for more than £8,000 being mentioned.

Prosecutors noted that Hague and McClelland were sharing accommodation in North Pole, Alaska, at the time of the latter’s disappearance. On the same date the welfare check was requested, McClelland had also been absent from work and failed to check in at his probation and parole office. When questioned by the authorities, Hague claimed he had last seen McClelland after dropping him off at an urgent care facility in Fairbanks. He alleged that he had also received texts from McClelland indicating that he was hospitalised due to illness; however, when officers requested to see the messages, Hague stated that he had lost the phone on which they were received.

Following this interaction with the police, Hague reportedly hitched a ride to Anchorage and made his way to a cousin’s home. Prosecutors highlighted that he confessed to his cousin that a fight had taken place between him and McClelland, during which “murder happened.” Additionally, he allegedly attempted to steal his cousin’s passport shortly thereafter.

In an unexpected turn of events, Hague relocated to a temporary homeless shelter and began assuming the identity of his younger brother. He later took on the name of an individual named Anthony Alcorn and used Alcorn’s identification to board a flight to Seattle in October 2020. Following his arrival, Hague continued to provide false details about his identity, telling a woman he met that he was of Russian descent, claiming his name was Anton Vovk.

The authorities apprehended Hague in Oregon on March 30, 2021. During the investigation, evidence revealed that Hague had used McClelland’s debit card shortly after his disappearance and had also filed an unemployment insurance claim under McClelland’s name. He was found to be in exclusive possession of various vehicles owned by the victim, including McClelland’s Jeep, GMC truck, and a boat trailer.

While on trial, Hague admitted to killing McClelland but contended that he acted in self-defence. After deliberations, the jury successfully convicted him on charges of manslaughter and other related crimes, although he was acquitted of first-degree murder.

Hague is now set to face sentencing on August 11, where he could potentially receive a term of up to 30 years in prison. The case remains particularly poignant not only due to the severe charges against Hague but also because McClelland’s body has never been recovered, leaving unresolved questions for his family and community.

As the investigation surrounding this tragic situation unfolded, it drew attention to the serious issues of domestic conflict and the implications of manipulation, particularly concerning financial exploitation. The outcome of the trial serves as a reminder of the complex nature of human relationships and the distressing consequences that can arise from them.