Gene Hackman, wife's deaths 'suspicious': Grim details emerge in search warrant

Gene Hackman and his wife Betty Arakawa's deaths at their New Mexico home Wednesday are being described as "suspicious," according to a search warrant released Thursday.

In the filing, Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office Detective Roy Arndt says the couple were found in different rooms in their sprawling Santa Fe home, where the two-time Oscar winner, 95, retreated to for a lowkey life after leaving Hollywood.

Authorities found the actor was in a mudroom near his cane, appearing to have fallen, while wife Arakawa, 64, was found in an open bathroom near a space heater, according to the warrant.

An open prescription bottle and pills were scattered on the nearby countertop, the warrant says. A deputy observed Arakawa with "body decomposition, bloating in her face" and mummification of her hands and feet.

The pair were found around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday by two maintenance workers. Both men told police they rarely saw the couple when conducting maintenance on the home and "primarily communicated with the female homeowner (Arakawa)."

One of the couple's German shepherds was also found dead less than 15 feet from Arakawa in a closet, while their other two dogs were found alive in the bathroom near Arakawa and outside.

According to investigators, the scene was "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation" after several things found at the scene including the front door open and unlocked, a healthy dog "running loose on the property," another "healthy dog" found near Arakawa and the dead dog and moved heater found near the actor's wife.

They also cited an open pill bottle and scattered prescription pills next to Arakawa as well as no obvious signs of a gas leak and Hackman being in a different room than his wife.

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Gas company confirms they provide service at home

The New Mexico Gas Co. investigated the residence, the warrant says, but "as of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence."

A spokesperson for the New Mexico Gas Co. confirmed to USA TODAY that they "provide natural gas service at the address" and "are assisting the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading an investigation." They directed additional requests for comment to the sheriff's office. USA TODAY has reached out to reps for the department for comment.

The warrant says when law enforcement officials arrived at the home, the front door was open. All other buildings and the garage were locked, according the warrant.

Gene Hackman, wife met at California gym

According to the search warrant, "there are no immediate signs or indications of blunt force trauma" on both Hackman and Arakawra.

Hackman and Arakawa met at a California gym, where she worked, according to a profile of the late actor published in The New York Times Magazine in 1989. A 2000 article in the Irish Independent newspaper revealed more details about the reclusive couple.

The article noted that Arakawa "often travels with (Hackman) and seems to share his sense of humor and his preference for a quiet life in the desert."

"Where we live, in Santa Fe," he told the Irish paper. "You can lead your own life and not be bothered by the latest gossip. Besides, a film actor doesn't have to live in LA. Not that many movies are shot there any more."

Gene Hackman daughters, granddaughter mourn legendary actor's death

In a statement obtained Thrusday by USA TODAY, Hackman's daughters Leslie and Elizabeth and granddaughter Annie addressed his death.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss," the statement read.