A Santa Fe detective reportedly uncovered new details he said suggested the death of Gene Hackman and his wife may be “suspicious,” according to a search warrant.
The detective alleged in his affidavit that he suspects “the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” according to TMZ.
The affidavit went on to say “the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened, deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom, the heater being moved, the pill bottle being opened and pills scattered next to the female.”
Hackman’s body was located in a different room, according the document. The detective said there were “no obvious signs of a gas leak,” according to TMZ.
American actor Gene Hackman (right) as Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle in ‘The French Connection’, directed by William Friedkin, 1971. In the background (far left) is Roy Scheider (1932 – 2008) as Buddy ‘Cloudy’ Russo. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
911 audio captured the call placed to authorities when the bodies were located.
Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was discovered lying on her right side on the floor inside the bathroom, according to the affidavit. A German Shepard was found deceased 10 to 15 feet away from her body, police said. The deputy said he observed a black space heater close to her head that he believed could have fallen over, causing her to suddenly fall to the floor.
The deputy’s affidavit noted that an orange prescription bottle rested on the counter. The bottle was open and pills were on the counter, according to the document. The body was reportedly decomposing with bloating and mummification in her hands and feet, suggesting she had been deceased for a significant period of time.
A very sad day for the cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away.
My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers.
RIP 🎬🖤 pic.twitter.com/PmuiLU4Jyb— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) February 27, 2025
Police found Hackman in another room splitting off the kitchen, according to the affidavit. He was still dressed and they suspected he could have abruptly fallen due to his sunglasses being beside his corpse, the document said.
The search warrant said the fire department responded and said they found no indicators of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning. The gas company, based in New Mexico, conducted testing on the gas lines in and around the residence as well, according to TMZ.
“As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence,” they said, according to the warrant.
Two maintenance employees found the bodies and said they hadn’t observed Hackman or his wife for around two weeks, according to the deputy. He said the workers found the front door open but there were no indications of forced entry.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ on Thursday that the family believes the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide but added that it was uncertain.
The two-time Oscar-winner and his wife were found dead Wednesday, but it is not yet known precisely when they passed away. (RELATED: Legendary Actor Gene Hackman And His Wife Found Dead)
Hollywood stars have flooded social media with tributes as they pay their final respects to the legendary star.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
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