Gene Hackman death investigation progress so far ahead of new press conference tonight

Tonight, a press conference will be held regarding the tragic and mysterious deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa who passed away on February 17, 2025.

The couple was found dead, along with their dog, in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home under puzzling circumstances, and authorities are expected to reveal further details on the investigation. Here’s everything we know so far.

Gene, 95, known for his iconic roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Hoosiers, was found alongside his wife of over 30 years, Betsy, 65, and one of their dogs. Their bodies were discovered after a maintenance worker requested a wellness check, after seeing the pair unresponsive in their home. Initial reports indicated no external signs of foul play, but the cause of their deaths remains unclear.

The couple’s deaths have raised a number of questions, particularly as they had been dead for over a week before being discovered, with Gene’s pacemaker data suggesting his heart stopped on February 17. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, and the autopsy results have yet to provide a definitive explanation. The couple’s bodies were reportedly showing signs of decomposition and were partially mummified – with some speculating a ‘ companion suicide ‘ as the cause of death.

Police have said that Gene was found dead in the house’s mud room, with his cane and sunglasses near him on the ground, while his wife was discovered lying on the bathroom floor with prescription pills strewn across the nearby countertop. However, a chief medical examiner has debunked the possibility of a suicide pact, saying that in “cases like that”, the couple are usually found next to each other in bed. Speaking to People, James Gill, Connecticut’s Chief Medical Examiner, said it is “not likely” the pair took their own lives together, revealing: “I’ve seen cases like that – usually they’re together in bed. The fact that they’re in two separate locations tells me that I think that’s less likely”.

Gene and Betsy lived a reclusive life away from the spotlight after the award-winning actor chose to distance himself from fame. He pursued acting because of his passion for film, not for the attention and fame that came with it. Gene had three children with his first wife, Faye Maltese: his son, Christopher Allen, 65, and daughters Elizabeth Jean, 63, and Leslie Anne, 58. Gene’s children are currently awaiting the results of the ongoing investigation into their father and stepmother’s deaths.

Chilling body camera footage from the scene of Gene Hackman’s death is expected to be released soon. The sheriff’s office in Santa Fe, is combing through footage now from the ten deputies who arrived at the scene. One of the key pieces of information to establish from the footage was to what extent the property was secured. It comes amid conflicting reports about the door being left open or not. Cops are trying to establish a “fully rounded picture” and to ensure they haven’t missed any key information or details that could prove crucial to the case. This footage could then be released to the public. It comes as cops are trying to crack the two mobile phones that were found at the scene.

Forensic investigators were being brought in to unlock two devices found at the scene, as authorities aimed to establish a timeline for Gene and his Betsy’s mysterious deaths. Key to solving the case were the toxicology tests on the couple’s bodies, which could reveal if the pills found near Betsy’s body played a role in her death. Police also planned to question Gene’s three children as part of the investigation into their final days. The couple was found dead in separate rooms in their home and it’s unclear if the children have been interviewed yet.

The press conference will include updates from investigators, as well as insights from medical professionals who have been examining the case. The details are still emerging, but the event is set to offer new information on what could have happened in the days leading up to Gene and Arakawa’s deaths.

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Source: Mirror