Police have described evidence found near the body of Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, as "significant" and "of concern".
The couple, Gene, 95, and Betsy, 65, were discovered dead in separate rooms of their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday, February 26.
Emergency services had been called to the property where Betsy's body was found next to a heater that may have fallen on her.
However, police are now focusing on a bottle of prescription pills found near the classical pianist's body.
Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza reportedly referred to the pills as "significant evidence" and "of concern", describing them as "very important evidence" that has been handed over to a medical investigator.
According to The Sun, he said: "We're looking at [the pills] specifically, and other medications possibly in the residence".
In a press conference held on Friday, February 28, he revealed: "Now, collected from the residence, from this search warrant; there were two green in colour cell phones, two bottles of medication, one bottle of over-the-counter Tylenol. My request, medical records, and a 2025 monthly planner calendar. Those items were secured from the residence for evidentiary purposes."
The sheriff has shed light on the latest developments regarding the autopsy conducted on the bodies, stating: "An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted: no external trauma to either individual, the manner and cause of death has not been determined.
"Official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. Just today, I spoke to Dr Jarell, the pathologist from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator – this was at 2pm today," reports the Mirror.
"She advised that were several tests admitted to be expedited. She revealed to me the following information; both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide. An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr Hackman's pacemaker, this revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17 2025.
"I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed. That will conclude my statement, I will take a few questions. Just so everybody knows this is an active investigation still."
Additionally, authorities have cited their keenness to interview Gene's three children in an effort to trace his final actions prior to the dire episode. Confirmation has come from the police that they are liaising with "family members" as they attempt to reconstruct the last days of Gene and his spouse Betsy's lives.
The duo were discovered deceased in different sections of their residence in New Mexico earlier in the week.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza also said that it had been a "challenge" so far to determine the last people the couple spoke to.
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English (United States) ·