Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their home
A full list of items which could potentially be seized from Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Santa Fe home has been revealed in an affidavit.
Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, were discovered dead in separate rooms of their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday, February 26. While authorities are treating the deaths as suspicious, they have not ruled out foul play, despite finding no signs of external trauma on the couple’s bodies.
A search warrant affidavit reveals some unusual circumstances, including the discovery of just one of their three dogs dead on the property, while the other two appeared healthy. Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean, speculated that the couple may have fallen victim to carbon monoxide poisoning, but preliminary tests have shown no evidence of a gas leak or poisoning.
The search warrant, which was later made public by the New York Times, outlines items seized during the investigation, including:
- Weapons, tools, and instruments that could cause blunt or sharp force trauma
- Documents establishing ownership or possession of any such items
- Materials showing marks or impressions
- Biological fluids, including DNA and blood
- Latent and visible prints, such as fingerprints and footwear impressions
- Hazardous materials and controlled substances
- Ignitable, flammable, explosive, or combustible substances
- Narcotics and other controlled substances, including those listed in Schedules I-V of the Controlled Substances Act
- Personal identification and documents
As the investigation unfolds, these items will help authorities piece together the mystery surrounding the deaths of the iconic actor and his wife.
The search warrant for Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Santa Fe home, following their deaths on February 26, also specifies a broad range of items to be examined and seized in the ongoing investigation. These include:
- Clothing belonging to either Hackman or Arakawa
- Records that may contain passwords, PINs, or other personal identification information linked to their access credentials
- Any documents bearing their personal identifying information or variations of their names
- Investigative and documentation equipment used in the search
- Detailed documentation of the premises, individuals, and seized items, including through measurement, photography, and videography
- Photography or videography equipment, including cameras, film, negatives, photos, DVRs, and devices used for recording images or video
- Photographs of the home, both interior and exterior
- Telephones or cell phones found on the property
- Materials that appear to be used for administering aid or assistance to the injured
The warrant also notes that investigators may need to inspect various aspects of the property, including furniture, walls, plumbing, or gas lines, to uncover any possible clues or evidence related to the deaths.
