Authorities uncover tragic scene
Authorities released disturbing details and images from the Santa Fe home of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Police discovered the couple’s decomposed bodies on 26 February after maintenance workers raised an alert. Hackman was 95 and Arakawa was 65. Deputies entered the property and bodycam footage showed the scene inside their residence. One of the couple’s dogs remained beside Arakawa’s body. Deputies described parts of the house as cluttered while other areas appeared orderly.
Figure 1: The couple’s home at Santa Fe
Bodycam footage reveals final days
The bodycam footage showed deputies moving through the large property. They found the couple in separate rooms. The video captured clothing scattered on chairs and paper grocery bags on the kitchen floor. Fruits and vegetables were left out on counters. One deputy said, “They say they’re very private people, like very.” The home also had dry cleaning still in plastic wrapping and personal belongings stacked around the rooms.
Figure 2: Clothing scattered on chairs and paper grocery
Report provides timeline of Arakawa’s final movements
Authorities released a lengthy investigative report detailing Arakawa’s final days. Internet history, phone logs and store security footage traced her movements from 8 to 12 February. Arakawa researched flu-like symptoms, including dizziness and nosebleeds. She purchased Boost Oxygen canisters and conducted a COVID test on Hackman, which came back negative. She emailed her massage therapist and wrote, “So, G woke up today with flu/cold-like symptoms, did a covid test, negative. But out of an abundance of caution, I should cancel my appt. tomorrow and rebook, say in a couple weeks, last week of Feb if something is available … Thank you!”
Figure 3: An email sent by Betsy shortly before her death
Authorities confirm hantavirus as cause of Arakawa’s death
Investigators believe Arakawa died shortly after her final search on 12 February. Officials confirmed her cause of death as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The rare rodent-borne disease leads to flu-like symptoms, dizziness, and severe respiratory distress. Arakawa’s searches included Santa Fe healthcare providers and whether COVID could cause certain symptoms. She also contacted a concierge medical service. The call lasted less than two minutes and she missed a return call that same afternoon.
Figure 4: Covid-19 test kid found inside the dustbin
Hackman died alone days later
Hackman likely died between 17 and 18 February. Authorities believe he suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s disease and heart complications. He remained alone in the home after Arakawa’s death. Investigators found prescription medication bottles, some with pills scattered. A piano and collection of art supplies were present in the living room. Pillows arranged on one couch suggested someone had been sleeping there.
Authorities examine rodent presence on property
The New Mexico Department of Health conducted an environmental assessment on the property. Officials found rodent faeces in several outbuildings. Investigators confirmed no signs of rodent activity inside the main house. Live traps were visible across the premises. The home lies in the piñon and juniper hills near Santa Fe. Authorities noted rodents are common in this surrounding landscape.
Animal welfare concerns addressed
Three dogs were on the property. One was found dead inside a bathroom closet near Arakawa’s body. The state veterinary laboratory determined the dog died from starvation and dehydration. Two other dogs were found alive. One dog stayed near Arakawa until deputies entered the home.
Legal battle over release of materials
The release of footage and photographs followed a court order. The Hackman estate had previously blocked public access to the records. Kurt Sommer, an attorney for the estate, argued in court the couple valued privacy. He said, “the right to control the use of their names and likenesses should extend to their estate in death.” The Associated Press, CBS News, and CBS Studios intervened. They agreed not to release images of the couple’s bodies and committed to blurring any related footage.
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Final findings confirm no foul play
Investigators found no signs of forced entry at the home. The pantry held paper bags, including one with a 11 February edition of the Santa Fe New Mexican. A bag of bagels was also partly consumed. Authorities documented medical supplies like bandages and tape in kitchen drawers. The release of further redacted bodycam footage remains underway as part of ongoing procedures.
Public interest balances privacy concerns
The Hackman case drew wide attention due to his celebrated acting career. He won two Academy Awards and maintained a private life with Arakawa. Authorities and media organisations continue to navigate the line between public interest and family privacy.
