Police have deemed Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths ‘suspicious enough’ for further investigation
Details from a search warrant into Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s home have been revealed in an affidavit as investigators are treating the deaths as ‘suspicious enough’ to investigate further.
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 63, were tragically found dead in separate rooms of their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday, February 26.
While authorities have stated that there are no immediate signs of foul play or external trauma on their bodies, the sheriff’s office has not ruled it out entirely. A search warrant affidavit revealed that the circumstances surrounding the scene are “suspicious enough” to justify a continued investigation.
Among the many puzzling details emerging from the scene, one of the couple’s three dogs was found dead on the premises, while the other two were reportedly in good health.
Maintenance workers discovered the front door of their home unlocked and slightly ajar, adding to the mystery. Initial tests ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning or any leaks. According to the affidavit, Betsy’s body was found on the bathroom floor next to a space heater, which could have fallen if she collapsed suddenly. Just 10 to 15 feet away, their deceased German Shepherd was found in the bathroom closet.
An open bottle of prescription pills was scattered across the counter near her body, which showed signs of partial ‘mummification.’
Veteran actor Gene Hackman was found in another room, lying on the floor in the mudroom, next to his walking cane and sunglasses. Law enforcement observations suggest both Hackman and Arakawa may have experienced sudden falls, adding further complexity to the investigation.
Among the 17 key items listed for seizure in the investigation are identifying documents related to Gene and Betsy, their cellphones, cameras, clothing, as well as any ‘weapons, tools, and instruments capable of causing sharp force trauma.’ Authorities are also looking for biological fluids like DNA, and any ‘ignitable, flammable, explosive, or combustible substances.’
Firefighters from the Santa Fe City Fire Department have stated they found no signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning, a conclusion also supported by the New Mexico Gas Company after testing the gas line around the residence. The affidavit concludes: “At this time, the manner and cause of death concerning Eugene ‘Gene’ Allen Hackman and Betsy Arakawa remain unknown.”
The affidavit stated that the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were suspicious enough to warrant a thorough investigation. Key details include the discovery of an unsecured front door, a healthy dog running loose on the property, another dog found near Betsy, and a deceased dog located 10-15 feet away in a bathroom closet. Additionally, the heater was found moved, an opened pill bottle with scattered pills was found near Betsy, and Gene’s body was discovered in a separate room, all without any signs of a gas leak.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza, in a statement on Thursday (February 27), told reporters that investigators are “keeping everything on the table.” He also noted that they believed the couple had been deceased for some time. Gene, widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s greats, and Betsy, a renowned classical pianist, had been married since 1991.
Fans of the beloved duo have expressed deep sorrow, calling their deaths the ‘end of an era,’ as they leave behind an enduring legacy in both the worlds of cinema and music. Gene’s family has since spoken out, sharing their heartbreak and suggesting that the couple may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
