New Mexico police continue investigating the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, calling the case “suspicious enough in nature,” though no foul play has been confirmed.
The Santa Fe Sheriff’s office reported that the couple, along with their deceased dog, showed no external trauma. Autopsies were performed, with toxicology and carbon monoxide tests pending. Results could take 4-6 weeks.
Authorities were alerted Wednesday afternoon by maintenance workers who discovered the bodies. A search warrant affidavit noted both bodies in different rooms and “pills scattered next to the female,” though police omitted this detail from their latest statement.
Detective Roy Arndt’s affidavit mentioned no “immediate signs of blunt force trauma” but requested potential evidence in case further investigation revealed otherwise. The scene was declared safe after gas company tests.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner for The French Connection and Unforgiven, had lived in Santa Fe for years. He and Arakawa, a classical pianist, had been married since 1991. Hackman is survived by three children from his first marriage. The investigation remains open.
