Authorities continue to investigate the deaths of actor Jean Hackman, his wife and their dog at a home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after the bodies were discovered by maintenance workers earlier this week.
The Oscar winner and his wife were found dead and one of the three dogs in the family. Authorities said there are no clear signs of foul play, but the circumstances of their death justified further investigation.
Sheriff’s officials said they were likely dead for days or perhaps weeks when they were found.
The latest information on the case is as follows:
Where were they found?
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, were found by a pair of maintenance workers in the residential community before 2pm on Wednesday.
The workers then notified the community caretakers. The community caretakers went home and called 911.
The caretaker had no information when he called, but he knew he was looking through two body windows lying on the ground inside.
Callers can hear on audio and tell the dispatcher that they can see two motionless bodies and what they can see inside the house. Shaking him, he repeatedly says “shit” and urges authorities to respond promptly.
“No, they’re not moving. Please send someone here quickly,” the caller says.
Actor Jean Hackman arrives with his wife Betsy Arakawa for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at Beverly Hills Onjang. 19, 2003.
(Mark J. Terrill/Ap.)
According to a court affidavit, the body of the Oscar winner was found on a floor near the kitchen, with a walking cane and nearby sunglasses. Arakawa’s body was found in the bathroom near the main entrance of the house, with prescription drugs scattered across a nearby countertop. Officials have not said which type of tablets were found.
One dog was found dead in the house, and the other two were alive on the property, allowing them to enter the residence through the door behind them.
Investigators removed two green cell devices from Diltiazem and thyroid drugs, Tylenol, medical records and 2025 monthly planner from their home, according to a search warrant summary.
How did they die?
That is still decided.
There were no signs of forced entry, no obvious signs of blunt force trauma or carbon monoxide poisoning, sheriff’s officials revealed in court records. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said there were no signs of a foul play, but investigators have not ruled it out.
“This is an open investigation a few days ago. We’re putting together a timeline. We’re trying to find all the evidence, but the autopsy is important and it will take some time. Mendoza told the news program “Today.”
When paramedics arrived, they did not attempt any life-saving procedures. Arakawa and Hackman showed obvious signs of death, and Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya told the show “Today.”
“My paramedics did an assessment and it was clear that they didn’t take any life-saving measures,” he said. “We didn’t really need to get close because of the fact that it was an obvious death.”
Firefighters tested carbon monoxide leaks at home and found no signs, Moya said. When asked if carbon monoxide could have dissipated over time, Moya said that it is possible, but they can’t know for sure.
Medical investigators have not announced the official cause of death for couples or German shepherds who were found to be dead at home. Mendoza said the results of the toxicology report could take up to three months or more.
What happens next?
The body will be examined by county medical researchers who are tasked with determining the cause of death.
Toxicology screens will be run on both Hackman and Arakawa, with the results likely to be months away. Investigators build a timeline for when the couple sees them alive and try to assess who spoke at the end. Mendoza described Hackman and Arakawa as “individuals” who protected themselves.
The maintenance worker who discovered her body last contacted the couple about two weeks ago, saying they only spoke to Arakawa by texting or phone mainly.
Mendoza announced that his office will provide an update on the case Friday afternoon.
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