The Mysterious Deaths of Gene Hackman and His Wife: A Suspicious Investigation
A Suspicious Discovery
Authorities are investigating the deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog at their home in New Mexico after they were discovered by sheriff’s deputies who felt the circumstances of their death were “suspicious enough in nature” to warrant a deeper look.
No Signs of Blunt-Force Trauma or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
There were no signs of obvious blunt-force trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning, or forced entry into the home, according to a search warrant filed in the Santa Fe Magistrate Court. While one dog was found dead inside the home, there were two other dogs running around the property, and Hackman’s and Arakawa’s bodies showed signs that they had fallen down abruptly, the warrant stated.
The Discovery of the Bodies
Their bodies were discovered in Santa Fe on Wednesday afternoon during a welfare check, officials said. A neighborhood security official was able to see the two lying unresponsive on the ground, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigation Underway
Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office discovered Hackman, 95, Arakawa, 64, and the dog shortly before 2 p.m. Hackman’s and Arakawa’s bodies were found in separate rooms of the house on Old Sunset Trail in Santa Fe, the office announced in a news release.
Prescription Pills Scattered
Arakawa’s body was found near a space heater in a bathroom beside the front door, with prescription pills scattered on a countertop nearby. A deputy suspected the space heater could have fallen if she abruptly fell to the floor, according to the warrant.
Autopsy Results
An autopsy showed there was no external trauma to either Hackman or Arakawa.
Finding of the Dead Dog
A dead German shepherd was found in a bathroom closet about 10 to 15 feet from Arakawa. Her body was already decomposing and starting to bloat when she was discovered, and showed “mummification in both hands and feet,” according to the warrant.
Conclusions and Findings
The cause of death will be determined by the state Office of the Medical Investigator, officials said, and the case remains open. The investigation is ongoing, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog.
FAQs
Q: What was the nature of the investigation?
A: The investigation was deemed suspicious enough in nature to warrant a deeper look, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
Q: Were there any signs of trauma or poisoning?
A: No, there were no signs of blunt-force trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning, or forced entry into the home.
Q: How did the couple die?
A: The cause of death is still unknown and is being determined by the state Office of the Medical Investigator.
Q: Are the authorities investigating other suspects?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog.
