Gene Hackman's Vehicles May Hold Key to Actor's Death Mystery, Investigator Suggests

The tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home continue to baffle investigators more than a week later. Now, retired NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro believes their vehicles could provide the critical clues to unravel the mystery.

"The public shouldn't jump to too many conclusions," Mauro cautioned, pointing to the abundance of digital evidence available despite the lack of cameras inside the home. "It's a gated community, so there are likely cameras at the entrance and around the neighborhood. Add to that the possibility of neighbors having Ring cameras, and investigators could start piecing together a timeline." Smart move, using tech to solve mysteries—feels like a modern-day Sherlock Holmes moment.

Mauro emphasized the importance of narrowing down the couple's time of death, suggesting their daily routines might hold valuable insights. Hackman and Arakawa were reportedly seen regularly driving around Santa Fe for errands and coffee runs. If their usual activities suddenly stopped, investigators could trace their vehicle movements using GPS or other digital data embedded in modern cars.

"Cars these days are rolling computers," Mauro explained. "For example, if the last time they were in the car, they went to a doctor they'd never visited before, that could be a significant clue." The theory gets even more chilling when he speculates on the possibilities of unusual prescriptions or health complications leading to a chain of tragic events.

Hackman and Arakawa, along with one of their three beloved dogs, were discovered dead in their home on February 26. The couple’s oldest dog, Zinfandel (affectionately called Zinna), also perished. While Arakawa was found in the bathroom near scattered pills and a space heater, Hackman was discovered in the mudroom with a cane nearby. Both exhibited "obvious signs of death," including bloating and mummification.

The deaths have been deemed "suspicious" by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department, prompting a detailed investigation. However, tests by the New Mexico Gas Co. ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, though minor gas leaks and code violations were noted in the home.

Mark Kreusch, a photographer who had often seen Hackman and Arakawa on scenic drives, described the couple’s penchant for remote locations and their unbreakable bond. "They were extremely close," Kreusch shared, recounting moments when Hackman and Arakawa would sit in their car for hours, simply enjoying the picturesque surroundings. It's comforting to know they spent their last days doing what they loved most—finding peace in nature.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities determined to piece together the puzzle surrounding this "tragic mystery"—a story that has left fans and the community searching for answers to the untimely loss of such an iconic figure.