Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa and one of their dogs were found dead in their Santa Fe home a week ago.
According to the search warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, detectives described their deaths as “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
Officials confirmed that no external trauma was seen on Hackman or Arakawa, and New Mexico authorities quickly began criminal investigations into their deaths. The case remains open to conduct autopsy and toxicological results.
Gene Hackman Death: Full Coverage
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Getty Image)
February 28 – Detectives work on “Reverse Timeline”
Authorities have not yet determined when Hackman and Alakava will die. In a press conference on Friday, February 28, Sheriff Adan Mendoza admitted that the department is collated a timeline to determine its final step.
“One thing is that in the survey, we usually piece together the schedule before the event happens, which gives us a lot of information,” Mendoza said. “But in this case, it seems we are doing a reverse schedule.
Gene Hackman is getting more secluded with his wife in the last few years in Santa Fe
He added: “From the death and autopsy and results, we are doing a timeline. We will start working backwards. We will do both and then hope to make a determination about what can happen to both.”
The death investigation of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa is still in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella is collected via Getty Images)
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February 28 – Test results
hackman and Arakawa tested Mendoza confirmed at a press conference on Friday, February 28 that the content of carbon monoxide was negative. After authorities found no evidence of carbon monoxide leaks or poisoning, their residence was tested for colorless and odorless gas and was removed by the Santa Fe City Fire Department.
The sheriff released a list of search warrants, detailing the items retrieved from Santa Fe houses. According to documents obtained by Fox News Digital, investigators listed two phones, Myquest Records, 2025 Planner, Thyroid Drug, Blood Pressure Drug, and Tylenol.
An orange prescription bottle was found near Hackman’s wife, according to the search warrant affidavit. It seemed to be open, with pills scattered on the countertops.
February 26 – Arakawa’s body was found
Hackman and Arakawa were discovered Maintenance workers Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay on Wednesday, February 26. Kesler, who worked as a private contractor for the couple for 16 years, made a phone call in 911.
Law enforcement officers spoke at the home of Santa Fe, New Mexico on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Hackman, his wife, Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead at home a day ago. (AP Photo/Roberto Rosales)
According to the search warrant affidavit, Arakawa was found lying on the floor of the couple on the bathroom floor near the space heater, showing “visible signs of death.” Hackman’s body was found in a nearby mud room. His crutches and sunglasses approached his body.
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Officials revealed that Alakava’s body was found to have been found to have broken down on her face and mummified hands and feet. Hackman was also found to have signs of breaking down with his wife.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department revealed that the autopsy has been completed and neither the actor nor the musician has seen external trauma.
Listen to: Gene Hackman 911 Phone
Watch: Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza discusses investigation into the death of Gene Hackman and his wife
February 26 – Gradually reducing the theory of death
The New Mexico gas company confirmed Tuesday that “it conducted an extensive investigation into gas leaks and carbon monoxide” and made “no major discoveries” in the couple’s secluded home on February 26, a press release obtained by Fox News Digital.
The gas company did point out that “there is a tiny leak in a furnace burner (0.33% of the gas in the air, not a fatal amount). Additionally, there are four “red labels” for violation of code execution, involving “water heaters and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces”.
The couple’s Santa Fe home On February 26, carbon monoxide was tested shortly after the body was found. The Santa Fe City Fire Department cleaned the house after finding no evidence of carbon monoxide leaks or poisoning. The New Mexico Gas Company also responded and found “no sign or evidence” of pipeline problems in or around Hackman’s home.
February 17 – Pacemaker Event
Mendoza confirmed that the last recorded activity on Hackman’s pacemaker occurred on February 17. Authorities believe this is Hackman’s last day because the body of the Oscar winner was not found for another nine days.
“According to the pathologist, I think this is a good assumption for the last day of his life,” Mendoza said.
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