The detective wrote in the affidavit that he believedthe deathsdeserved a thorough investigation because “the reporting party” had found the couple’s front door open and unsecured, as well as a pill bottle left open with scattered pills lying near Arakawa’s body.
Arakawa was found lying on her side in a bathroom, with a space heater near her body, per the affidavit. A deceased German Shepherd was found about 10-15 feet from Arakawa, per the outlet, while two other healthy dogs were also found on the property.
The two may have been dead for a while: Arakawa’s body “was in a state of decomposition with bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet,” while Hackman showed similarly “obvious signs of death.”
Gene Hackman & wife Betsy Arakawa during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
Hackman was “fully clothed” with his sunglasses found near his body, indicating that he may have fallen down.
Per the affidavit, neither firefighters nor the local gas company observed any obvious signs of a gas leak.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office confirmed early on Thursday, Feb. 27 that Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, and Arakawa, a classical pianist, werefound deadin their Santa Fe compound, along with one of their dogs.
A spokesperson from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office previously told PEOPLE that foul play was not suspected and the couple’s causes of death had yet to be determined. The sheriff’s office also told NBC that aninvestigationwas ongoing.
The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were not formally identified until 12:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. The sheriff’s office told local stationKOB 4that a neighbor called police for a welfare check, leading to the discovery of their bodies.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office for further information.
source: people.com
