Authorities continue to investigate the death of actor Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico after the body was found by maintenance workers earlier this week.
The Academy Award winner and his wife were found dead with one of the three dogs in the family. Authorities said there were no obvious signs of foul, but their deaths needed further investigation.
Sheriff’s officials said they may have been dead for several days or may have been found for weeks.
This is the latest information about the case.
Where did they find it?
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, found a pair of maintenance workers in their housing community shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The worker then notified a community caregiver, who went to the home and called 911.
The guard had no information when he called, but knew he was looking at the two bodies lying on the ground in the window.
The caller can be heard on the audio, telling the dispatcher that he can see two turbulent bodies inside the house. Wavested, he repeatedly said “damn” and urged the authorities to respond quickly.
“No, they didn’t move. Please send someone quickly.
Actor Gene Hackman joins his wife Betsy Arakawa for the 60th annual Golden Globe Awards held in Onjan, Beverly Hills. 19, 2003.
(Mark J. Terrill/AP)
According to the court affidavit, the body of the Oscar winner found crutches on the floor near the kitchen and a pair of sunglasses nearby. Arakawa’s body was found in the bathroom on the front door of the house, with prescription medications scattered on nearby counters. Authorities have not disclosed what type of pills were found.
One dog was found dead at home while two other dogs were still alive and could enter the residence through the back door.
According to the search order summary, investigators removed two green cellular devices from their homes, namely diltiazem and thyroid drugs, Tylenol, medical records and 2025 monthly planners.
How did they die?
This remains to be determined.
Sheriff’s officials revealed in court records that there were no signs of forced entry, no obvious signs of power trauma, nor any signs of carbon poisoning. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said there were no signs of foul, but investigators did not rule it out.
“It’s a public investigation and it’s been a few days. We’re putting the schedule together. We’re trying to find out all the evidence, and the autopsy is key, and it’s going to take some time. For a part of the family, everyone can be patient, so we can have some answers to these deaths,” Mendoza told the news show “Today.”
When paramedics arrived, they did not try any life-saving procedures as Arakawa and Hackman showed obvious signs of death, Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya said on the show “Today.”
“My caregiver did evaluate and it was obvious that we didn’t take any measures to save lives,” he said. “Since this is a noticeable death, we really don’t need to get closer.”
Moya said the carbon monoxide leak was tested in the house but no signs were found. When asked if it is possible that carbon monoxide may dissipate at home over time, Moya said it was possible, but they could not be sure.
Medical investigators have not released the official cause of death of the couple or the German Shepherd, which was also found dead at home. Mendoza said the results reported by toxicology could take up to three months or more.
What will happen next?
The body will be examined by a medical investigator in the county, whose mission is to determine the cause of death.
Hackman and Arakawa will be screened for toxicology, and the results may be several months. Investigators will establish a timetable to live for the last time and try to assess who talks with them the last time. Mendoza describes Hackman and Arakawa as “private”.
Maintenance personnel who found their bodies said they had a last conversation with the couple, mainly by texting or by phone.
Mendoza announced that his office will provide the latest news about the case on Friday afternoon.
