Details from search warrant of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa’s home revealed

Following the tragic death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, a search warrant was issued for their home.

The legendary actor and his wife were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025.

Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, were discovered in their residence on Sunset Trail. Their dog was also found deceased at the scene.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the findings, with Sheriff Adan Mendoza stating: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.”

While there were no immediate signs of foul play, Mendoza added: “This is an active investigation, but at this time, we do not believe there was any crime.”

The affidavit, released by New Mexico authorities via Variety, reveals the unusual circumstances surrounding their deaths.

It states: “Affiant believes that the circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals to be 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, deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom, the heater being moved, the pill bottle being opened and pills scattered next to the female, the male decedent being located in a separate room of the residence, and no obvious signs of a gas leak.”

Investigators also observed an opened prescription pill bottle with scattered pills near Arakawa’s body.

“Deputy Thomas advised the female decedent showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mumification in both hands and feet,” the document continued.

Hackman was found in another room of the house, lying on the floor in the mudroom near a walking cane and sunglasses.

Initial observations suggest that both he and Arakawa might have “suddenly fallen.”

Maintenance workers found the home’s front door unlocked and ajar, raising further questions.

Additionally, both the Santa Fe City Fire Department and the New Mexico Gas Company reported no indications of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning after conducting tests.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza addressed reporters on February 27, stating that authorities are “keeping everything on the table” and believe the couple had been deceased “a while” before they were discovered.

A list of 17 key items has been identified for seizure as part of the investigation, including cell phones, cameras, clothing, biological fluids, and any potential weapons or flammable substances.

The affidavit states: “At this time; the manner and cause of death pertaining to Eugene ‘Gene’ Allen Hackman and Betsy Arakawa passing is unknown.”