Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home in Santa Fe on Wednesday afternoon local time. One of the couple’s dogs was also found dead.
The police currently have no explanation for the death. Earlier on Thursday, it was stated that there were no initial signs of crime, but during a press conference, the sheriff in Santa Fe, Adan Mendoza, announces that he does not exclude anything.
– This is an investigation, so we keep everything open, he says according to BBC.
At the press conference, the sheriff also says that the couple seems to have been dead “for a while” before they were found. An investigator testifies that Arakawa’s hands and feet began to be “broken down and mummified”.
The alarm call: “Send someone quickly”
According to the police’s house search, which several media took part in, the couple was found in each room. Arakawa must have been found in a bathroom, near a heat fan. On a bench, a jar of pills was also found scattered.
One of the couple’s dogs was also found dead, in another room. Two other, living dogs were also found – one in the house and one on the site, writes the BBC.
According to TMZ, a neighbor sounded alarm to the police after discovering that the couple’s door was open. In the conversation, which the BBC took part in, he states that they do not seem to move.
– Send someone very fast here, he is heard, according to the BBC.
According to the police, there is nothing to indicate that anyone tried to get into the home. There should also be no external signs of damage.
Daughter: Suspects carbon monoxide poisoning
Gene Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, has told TMZ that the family suspects that the couple died of a carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the BBC, a gas company was quickly switched on, to ensure that there was no gas leak that could harm those who worked with the investigation work at the site. The rescue service was also summoned, but could not find any indications of a carbon monoxide emissions.
An investigator must have talked to two maintenance workers in the area, who stated that they did not have contact with the couple in about two weeks.
Among other things, Gene Hackman was known for his efforts in the movie “The French Connection”, for which he won an Oscars statue in the category “Best Male Lead”. He got his breakthrough in 1967 in “Bonnie and Clyde”.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were married for over 30 years.
Hackman turned 95 and Arakawa 63 years.