According to The Post, the deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs are now being called “suspicious” just hours after authorities initially ruled out foul play.
“The death of the two deceased individuals [is] suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened,” a police affidavit obtained by TMZ states.
According to the affidavit, deputies found one dog roaming the property and another lying “10-15 feet” from Arakawa in a bathroom closet. They also discovered a moved heater, an open pill bottle and pills scattered next to Arakawa.
Hackman’s body was found in a separate room, and there was no “obvious sign of a gas leak,” per the report.
Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 63, and one of their dogs were found dead Wednesday afternoon in their home outside Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Per TMZ, deputies arrived at the actor’s compound after a neighbor requested a wellness check. Once inside, they found Arakawa lying on her right side on the bathroom floor near a countertop. They initially suspected she had fallen.
The deputies also found an orange prescription bottle on the countertop, according to the report, and the pills were “scattered.”
As for Hackman, authorities found him fully clothed in a room near the kitchen. Authorities believe he may have also fallen, as his glasses were found on the ground beside him.
After obtaining a warrant for a more thorough search, investigators determined the couple had been dead for at least a day.
However, TMZ now reports that Arakawa — at least — had seemingly been “dead for some time.” Her body reportedly showed signs of decomposition, with bloating in her face and mummification beginning on her hands and feet.
Hackman and Arakawa’s family previously suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
However, the New Mexico Gas Company reportedly said Thursday that there were “no signs or evidence” of issues with the pipes in or around the home.
The fire department also found no evidence of a carbon monoxide leak.
The couple— who had been married since 1991 — were last photographed together almost a year ago while dining at a local restaurant.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, was best known for his role in The French Connection (1971). His film credits also include Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Superman (1978), Unforgiven (1992), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).
Throughout his career, he received three Golden Globes and the 2003 Cecil B. DeMille Award.
He is survived by his three children: Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58.
