6 key items seized from Gene Hackman’s home as cops investigate actor and wife’s ‘suspicious’ deaths

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: The shocking deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, have left Hollywood and law enforcement searching for answers.

While no obvious signs of foul play were found, investigators have labeled the deaths "suspicious" and seized six key items from the couple’s Santa Fe mansion as they work to unravel the mystery.

Authorities seize medications and phones as evidence

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa were discovered dead on February 26, Wednesday. A maintenance worker raised the alarm and immediately called 911 after seeing their bodies on the floor of their home, as per The US Sun.

One of their dogs was also found dead in the bathroom closet, while the other two German Shepherds were still alive.

Authorities have confiscated two green-colored cell phones, health records, and a 2025 monthly calendar planner from the home, according to court records obtained by ABC affiliate KOAT.

In addition, several medications were taken in for further examination, including, including Tylenol, thyroid medication, and Diltiazem, a drug used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain.

An open prescription pill bottle and pills were scattered around the room where Arakawa was found, according to authorities.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza shared key details about the case on the 'Today' show. When Savannah Guthrie asked if the pills could be connected to the deaths, Mendoza responded, "That’s obviously very important evidence at the scene."

"So we’re looking at that specifically and other medications that were possibly in the residence. So that is something of concern," he added.

Investigators probe house doors and canine clues

The details of how Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead paint a grim picture.

Authorities reported that Arakawa’s body was discovered in the bathroom, and the search warrant stated that her hands and feet showed signs of mummification - suggesting she could have been there for over a week.

Hackman was found lying in a mudroom, with his cane and sunglasses nearby. Police noted that his body position indicated he had collapsed suddenly.

The couple’s causes of death have yet to be determined.

The doors of their house have raised concerns.

"I believe the front door was closed but unlocked," Mendoza said on 'Today'.

"There was one door that was ajar toward the rear of the residence that two of the dogs that survived were coming in and out of the residence," he said.

He added, "There’s a little bit of conflicting stories based on emergency response."

Investigators are now trying to determine if the door was opened by first responders or if it was already open when they arrived.

"So that's another question and something that we need answered," Mendoza noted.

The police noted in the affidavit that the deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation".

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's final chapter in Santa Fe

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa lived their final years in the grand Santa Fe mansion they built together, enjoying a quiet life away from Hollywood.

The couple, who married in 1991, did not have any children together.

In the wake of Hackman’s death, his children from his first marriage, daughters and a granddaughter, released a statement mourning their loss.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy," they wrote in a statement as per The New York Post.

"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."

Hackman’s storied career spanned over four decades, earning him two Academy Awards and five nominations.

His performances in 'The French Connection,' 'Unforgiven,' 'The Conversation', and 'The Birdcage' reportedly cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.