MOVIE NEWS – The deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs have left authorities puzzled, leading them to classify the incident as “suspicious.” Hackman and Arakawa may have been deceased for two weeks before being discovered, as their partially mummified remains suggest, according to a search warrant obtained by TMZ.

The Santa Fe detective handling the case wrote in his affidavit that “the deaths of the two individuals appear suspicious enough to warrant a thorough search and investigation, given that the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and open.”

The detective further noted: “Deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog lying 10-15 feet from her inside a closet, the heater being moved, an open pill bottle with pills scattered next to the female, the male decedent found in a separate room, and no visible signs of a gas leak.”

Breaking down the scene, Gene’s wife, Betsy, was found in the bathroom, lying on her right side near the countertop. A black space heater was nearby, and the deputy speculated it might have fallen if Betsy had collapsed suddenly.

An orange prescription bottle was found open with scattered pills on the counter. Her body showed signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification of the hands and feet, indicating she had been dead for some time.

Gene was found in a different room near the kitchen, fully clothed. Investigators believe he may have fallen suddenly, as his sunglasses were found next to his body.

The fire department determined there were no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. The New Mexico Gas Company conducted an inspection and stated: “At this time, no signs or evidence indicate any issues with the pipes in or around the residence.”

The deceased dog, a German Shepherd, was found inside a closet, 10-15 feet from Betsy. Two other dogs were found alive and in good health—one inside the house and one outside.

Two maintenance workers discovered the bodies after realizing they had not seen Hackman or his wife in about two weeks. When they arrived, the front door was ajar, but deputies found no signs of forced entry.

TMZ has obtained the 911 call recording that led authorities to Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies.

Source: TMZ