New Mexico authorities say the deaths are ‘suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation’. The deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been ruled “suspicious,” according to a search warrant affidavit released Thursday.
Follow live updates on Hackman’s death here. The couple, who had been married since 1991, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with their pet dog, on Wednesday night. The French Connection star was 95 and classical pianist Arakawa was 63.
After speculation that a gas leak may have been behind their deaths, New Mexico authorities now say the situation is “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”. It adds that a police deputy found Arakawa’s body in the bathroom with a space heater near her head. “He advised he suspected the heater could have fallen in the event the female abruptly fell to the ground.
“He advised he also observed an orange prescription bottle on the counter-top near the deceased female. The prescription bottle appeared opened with pills scattered on the counter-top.” A dead dog was found in the bathroom closet 10 to 15 feet from Arakawa’s body.
Her body “showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mumification in both hands and feet.” Hackman’s body was found in the mud room. The deputy “suspected the male individual has suddenly fallen” and “showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent.”.
As part of the investigation, authorities may search the property and its “furniture, walls, plumbing equipment, or gas lines in or around the residence.” The affidavit adds that “Affiant is aware through training and experience individuals exposed to gas leaks (or poisonous gas) can suffer immediate and unexpected death.”.
