Gene Hackman and Wife's Suspicious Deaths Under Investigation: Santa Fe Mystery

New Mexico authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, after they were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have been deemed 'suspicious,' prompting a thorough investigation. Detectives noted that there were no signs of external trauma on either Hackman or Arakawa, a classical pianist. The case remains open pending autopsy and toxicology results. According to a search warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, Arakawa's body was found decomposed with bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet. Hackman showed similar signs of decomposition. Former NYPD cold case investigator Joseph Giacalone raised questions about the skin color of the bodies, which wasn't noted in the affidavit. "Was the house really hot? Did they have a lot of clothes on? The heat can get the bodies into those stages faster," Giacalone said, highlighting the importance of factors like liver mortis and body stiffness in estimating the time of death. Upon arriving at the scene, Santa Fe County patrol deputies found the front door ajar, with no signs of forced entry. Inside, they discovered Arakawa's body in the bathroom, along with an open prescription bottle and scattered pills. Former forensic death investigator Joseph Scott Morgan, speaking on "America Reports," emphasized the difference between scattered pills and ingested pills, suggesting a need to investigate further. A space heater was found near Arakawa's body, and Morgan suggested testing for carboxyhemoglobin levels in both Hackman and Arakawa, as well as the deceased dog found on the property, to check for carbon monoxide poisoning. Dr. Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City, echoed this, noting that carbon monoxide binds tightly to red blood cells and remains detectable for years. He also pointed out that the pink skin color indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning might be obscured by decomposition. Interestingly, two dogs were found alive and seemingly healthy on the property. Maria Dello, a dog trainer and nutritionist, found it peculiar, saying a German Shepherd breed would never harm their owner, especially under these circumstances. "They would protect them. You know, these dogs, they would die for you," Dello said. "They're such loyal companions. They live for their owners." Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that the gas company and fire department were called in to ensure there were no toxic fumes endangering the deputies. The New Mexico Gas Co. is assisting in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including homicide, suicide, accidental death, or natural causes. The investigation continues as officials await autopsy and toxicology results.