Investigation Underway into the Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department is diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa. The couple was found deceased in their expansive Santa Fe estate on Wednesday, prompting a comprehensive inquiry to determine the cause and manner of their passing.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza held a news conference Friday to provide updates on the investigation, emphasizing that while no foul play is currently suspected, the inquiry remains open and active. Authorities are meticulously constructing a timeline of events leading up to the discovery of the bodies, employing various investigative techniques to piece together the final days of the Hackmans.
Timeline Reconstruction and Potential Last Day of Life
A key piece of information obtained from Hackman’s pacemaker indicated the last recorded event occurred on February 17th. When questioned whether this date could be considered his potential last day of life, Sheriff Mendoza acknowledged it as "a very good assumption," aligning with the pathologist’s assessment.
The sheriff explained the unusual approach of constructing a "reverse timeline" in this case, starting from the time of death and working backward. This strategy involves analyzing cellphone data, phone calls, text messages, events, and photos to gain insights into the couple’s activities and interactions leading up to their deaths.
No Carbon Monoxide Detected, Suspicious Circumstances Noted
Initial tests have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a contributing factor, with both Hackman and Arakawa testing negative for the gas. However, the condition of the bodies, described as showing signs of "mummification" and decomposition, has raised concerns and added a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Sheriff Mendoza has acknowledged the "suspicious" nature of the deaths, prompting a thorough examination of all possibilities. The investigation is proceeding with caution, and authorities are carefully considering all potential factors that may have contributed to the couple’s demise.
Items Collected from the Scene
The Santa Fe Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant, and an inventory of items collected from the Hackman residence has been released. These items include two cellphones, MyQuest records, a 2025 planner, thyroid medication, blood pressure medication, and Tylenol. Notably, an open orange prescription bottle was found near Arakawa’s body, with pills scattered on a countertop.
The presence of prescription medications has become a focal point of the investigation, with Sheriff Mendoza confirming that these findings have been passed on to the medical investigator for further analysis. Authorities are specifically examining the types of medications found and their potential role in the deaths.
Autopsy Key to Determining Cause of Death
Autopsies have been completed on both Hackman and Arakawa, and the Sheriff’s Department awaits the results of toxicology tests, which could take up to three months or longer depending on the laboratory’s workload. These tests are crucial for determining the cause of death and ruling out any potential toxins or substances that may have been involved.
Mendoza emphasized that the autopsy report will be "the key to this investigation," providing critical information about the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths. Investigators are hopeful that the toxicology results will shed light on the cause of death and help them piece together the final moments of Hackman and Arakawa.
Private Couple, Challenging Investigation
The Sheriff acknowledged the challenges posed by the couple’s private nature. He stated the attempt to "put together a timeline when the decedents were last spoken to" is difficult "because they were very private individuals, and a private family."
Home Layout and Security Concerns
Fire Chief Brian Moya described Hackman’s residence as a "very large home," emphasizing the challenges in navigating the property. Sheriff Mendoza noted that several doors were "unlocked at the residence," including the front door, which was closed but unsecured. Additionally, a door towards the rear of the residence was ajar, allowing the couple’s surviving dogs to move in and out of the house.
The open doors have raised questions about the security of the residence and whether they played any role in the events leading up to the couple’s deaths. Authorities are investigating whether the doors were open upon the arrival of emergency personnel or whether they were left ajar at some point prior to the discovery of the bodies.
Daughter’s Statement and Hackman’s Health
Hackman’s daughter, Leslie, told Fox News Digital that her father was in "very good health" despite his age, adding that he regularly practiced yoga and Pilates. She mentioned that she hadn’t seen him in a few years due to his limited travel and her residence in California, but emphasized their close relationship and recent communication. Leslie described her father as a "genuinely good-hearted person" whom she loved dearly.
Distressed 911 Call
A harrowing 911 call made by a distressed maintenance worker who discovered the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa has been obtained by Fox News Channel. The employee frantically pleaded for police to rush to the New Mexico home, highlighting the urgency and shock surrounding the discovery.
The Santa Fe County Sheriffs Department continues to investigate, carefully evaluating all evidence and potential scenarios to determine the cause and manner of death for both Hackman and his wife. The results of the toxicology tests, along with the ongoing timeline reconstruction, are expected to provide further clarity in the coming weeks and months.
