One week has passed since the discovery of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. The investigation into their deaths remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather information and address unanswered questions.
Hackman was found in a mudroom near his cane, while Arakawa was located in an open bathroom by a maintenance worker performing routine tasks. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated in a recent press conference that there were no apparent signs of foul play; however, detectives deemed the circumstances "suspicious enough" to warrant a thorough investigation. The actor's pacemaker indicated that his last recorded event occurred on February 17, suggesting this may be the date of his death.
Complicating the case, authorities initially misidentified a deceased dog found in the home. While a German Shepherd named Bear was reported as deceased, it has since been confirmed that Bear is alive, and the dog that died was actually a kelpie mix named Zinna.
As the investigation continues, several key facts remain unclear. The autopsy revealed no external trauma for either individual, and both tested negative for carbon monoxide. Although a gas company identified minor leaks in the home, officials do not believe these contributed to the deaths.
An open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found near Arakawa’s body, but the specifics regarding these medications have not been disclosed. Mendoza emphasized the importance of these pills as evidence, pending further analysis by pathologists.
Additionally, two cell phones were recovered from the scene, and investigators are examining them for potential insights into the timeline of events. With no surveillance footage available, this evidence may prove crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding their deaths.