Actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday afternoon and now it reportedly appears all may not be as it first seemed.
Two maintenance workers discovered the couple and alerted authorities. While the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office initially stated that foul play was not suspected, Detective Roy Arndt noted in a search warrant application that the circumstances warranted a comprehensive investigation.
Emergency responders, including the local fire department and gas company, ruled out gas leaks as the cause. Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor with an open prescription pill bottle nearby and pills scattered around.
A space heater was positioned close to her head, suggesting it might have been displaced if she collapsed suddenly. Hackman’s body was located in the mudroom, with sunglasses found nearby.
The residence showed no signs of forced entry. A deceased dog was discovered in a bathroom closet, while two other dogs were found alive—one near Arakawa and another roaming outside.
Both bodies exhibited signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification of extremities, making it challenging to determine the exact time of death.
Autopsies were conducted on Thursday morning, but official causes of death remain undisclosed. Preliminary examinations revealed no visible trauma. Authorities have ordered toxicology and carbon monoxide tests to explore potential causes.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza highlighted the significance of the medications found at the scene, indicating they are a focal point in the investigation. He mentioned that toxicology results could take up to three months.
While there is currently no evidence suggesting foul play, officials have not entirely ruled it out as investigations continue.
“I’m pretty confident there is no foul play just based on the lack of evidence of foul play, but we of course are not ruling that out.” Mendoza concluded.
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