The deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, are under investigation after their bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday. Authorities have labelled the case “suspicious” despite no immediate evidence of foul play.
Two maintenance workers found Hackman and Arakawa in separate areas of the residence.
Arakawa was discovered lying on the bathroom floor near an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills. Hackman was located in the mud room adjacent to the kitchen, with his sunglasses beside him. Both appeared to have collapsed.
A deceased dog was found in the bathroom closet near Arakawa’s body, while two other dogs were alive on the property.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and reported no signs of forced entry. Emergency personnel from the fire department and gas company assessed the home for potential hazards such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning but found no indications of either.
Detective Roy Arndt stated in a search warrant affidavit that no obvious gas leaks were detected, but the circumstances warranted further investigation. The bodies exhibited signs of decomposition.
Arakawa’s body showed facial bloating and mummification of her hands and feet, while Hackman’s body displayed similar characteristics.
A space heater was found near Arakawa’s body, which could have been knocked over had she collapsed suddenly, according to investigators.
Detectives have requested a search of the home for mobile phones, video evidence, DNA, fingerprints, and any potential weapons. While no visible trauma was noted, authorities are examining the possibility of injuries caused by blunt or sharp objects.
A search warrant, issued by Judge John Rysanek, permitted investigators to examine the home once it was deemed safe.
The Office of the Medical Investigator performed autopsies on Thursday, confirming no traumatic injuries such as gunshot or stab wounds. Toxicology and carbon monoxide tests are ongoing as authorities continue to determine the cause of death.
The deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, are under investigation after their bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday. Authorities have labelled the case “suspicious” despite no immediate evidence of foul play.
Two maintenance workers found Hackman and Arakawa in separate areas of the residence.
Arakawa was discovered lying on the bathroom floor near an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills. Hackman was located in the mud room adjacent to the kitchen, with his sunglasses beside him. Both appeared to have collapsed.
A deceased dog was found in the bathroom closet near Arakawa’s body, while two other dogs were alive on the property.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and reported no signs of forced entry. Emergency personnel from the fire department and gas company assessed the home for potential hazards such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning but found no indications of either.
Detective Roy Arndt stated in a search warrant affidavit that no obvious gas leaks were detected, but the circumstances warranted further investigation. The bodies exhibited signs of decomposition.
Arakawa’s body showed facial bloating and mummification of her hands and feet, while Hackman’s body displayed similar characteristics.
A space heater was found near Arakawa’s body, which could have been knocked over had she collapsed suddenly, according to investigators.
Detectives have requested a search of the home for mobile phones, video evidence, DNA, fingerprints, and any potential weapons. While no visible trauma was noted, authorities are examining the possibility of injuries caused by blunt or sharp objects.
A search warrant, issued by Judge John Rysanek, permitted investigators to examine the home once it was deemed safe.
The Office of the Medical Investigator performed autopsies on Thursday, confirming no traumatic injuries such as gunshot or stab wounds. Toxicology and carbon monoxide tests are ongoing as authorities continue to determine the cause of death.
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