US investigators are trying to establish how Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, died after the discovery of their bodies at their home in the US state of New Mexico.
Officials said on Friday that evidence points to Hackman having been dead since 17 February – 10 days before the couple’s bodies were found.
Here is what we know so far about the death of a Hollywood legend known for such films as The French Connection and The Conversation.
No cause was given in police statements immediately after the announcement of the deaths. The authorities reported no signs of injury but deemed the deaths “suspicious enough” to investigate and did not rule out foul play.
An autopsy and toxicology tests have been requested for both Hackman and Arakawa. Authorities said it could be a few months before the results of those are released.
The local utility company found no sign of a gas leak in the area and the fire department detected no indication of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning, according to the search warrant.
Gene Hackman, 95, was discovered in a side room near the kitchen while Arakawa, 65, was found in a bathroom, at the property on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park.
The couple appeared to have been “dead for quite a while”, said Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
Arakawa’s body showed signs of “decomposition”, and “mummification” in the hands and feet, a sheriff’s detective said. Hackman’s remains “showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent” with those on his spouse.
A German Shepherd dog owned by the couple was found dead in a bathroom closet near to Arakawa.
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