On Thursday, the unhappy information broke that beloved actor Gene Hackman, his spouse, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and one in every of their pet canine had been discovered lifeless of their Santa Fe dwelling on Wednesday afternoon. Gene was 95 years outdated, and Betsy was 64, with the 2 married since 1991.
Initially, it was broadly speculated that the couple might have died as a consequence of carbon monoxide poisoning, nonetheless, a newly obtainable search warrant affidavit states that the Santa Fe Metropolis Fireplace Division “didn’t find indicators of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning” within the property. Investigators added that they consider Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths are “suspicious sufficient in nature to require an intensive search and investigation.”
Upon coming into the house, the deputies discovered Arakawa’s physique on the ground a WC to the left of the entrance door. An area heater was near her head, which the affidavit says may have fallen within the occasion of Arakawa abruptly falling to the bottom. An orange prescription bottle was additionally discovered within the toilet, with drugs scattered on the countertop. The affidavit provides that Arakawa “confirmed apparent indicators of loss of life, physique decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in each arms and ft.”
Hackman’s physique was present in a “comparable” situation to Arakawa’s in what is believed to have been a mud room near the kitchen. The deputies suspect that he had “abruptly fallen,” and sun shades and a strolling cane had been situated near his physique. The deputies discovered a lifeless German Shepherd canine 10-15 ft away from Arakawa’s physique, within the toilet closet. Two wholesome canine had been additionally on the property, with one inside the house and one other outdoors.
Summarizing the state of affairs, Detective Roy Arndt wrote within the affidavit: “At the moment; the style and explanation for loss of life pertaining to Eugene ‘Gene’ Allen Hackman and Betsy Arakawa passing is unknown. Affiant believes that the circumstances surrounding the loss of life of the 2 deceased people to be suspicious sufficient in nature to require an intensive search and investigation…. At the moment Affiant believes there may be adequate possible trigger for the issuance of this search warrant.”