Police in Santa Fe, New Mexico, have released bodycam footage from the scene where actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their home last month, offering new insight into the unusual circumstances surrounding their deaths. The footage includes interviews with witnesses who expressed concern that something was "not right" at the residence.
Hackman and Arakawa were discovered on February 26 at their Santa Fe home, alongside the body of one of their dogs. Responding officers initially suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. However, conversations captured on the body cameras reveal that those familiar with the property doubted that explanation.
In one exchange, a police officer asked a handyman whether a gas leak could have contributed to the deaths. The worker replied: "Something is not right." He further explained, "That big vent you see on the roof by the front door, that thing's like that big around, so it's meant to vent. So I just don't... and that mechanical room is pretty d--- tight. I don't see carbon monoxide getting..." When the officer raised the possibility of gas seeping through kitchen appliances, the handyman responded, "It shouldn't. I don't see how this is both of them are down like this. Something's not right."
Another clip showed detectives speaking to the Hackmans' groundskeeper, Hesse Kasler, who found the couple's bodies. Visibly emotional, Kasler told police, "[Hackman's] just a normal person and to see that, both of them... sorry, I get attached to all these people, they treat me really well."
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office redacted portions of the footage to preserve privacy. Still, the videos show law enforcement interviewing witnesses, including contractor Jesse Kesler, who had gone to the house for a wellness check after growing concerned about the couple's absence.
The Hackman estate had previously filed a petition to block the release of any photos or videos from inside the home, citing a desire to protect the family's privacy. The legal filing argued the couple had taken "vigilant steps to safeguard their privacy" during their lifetimes.
Earlier this month, New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator ruled out foul play and revealed that Hackman and Arakawa died of natural causes, though their deaths occurred more than a week apart.
Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell stated that Arakawa died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease contracted through rodent exposure. Hackman's death was attributed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with contributing factors including advanced Alzheimer's disease and hypertension. "Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer's disease," Dr. Jarrell said. "He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think, ultimately, that's what resulted in his death."
According to investigators, Arakawa was last seen alive around February 11, while Hackman likely passed away around February 18, based on when his pacemaker last recorded activity. "It's quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased," Dr. Jarrell added.
Authorities ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning early in the investigation. Both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, and neither displayed signs of trauma.
Hackman, known for his roles in "The French Connection," "Unforgiven," and "The Royal Tenenbaums," won two Oscars and was nominated for five during his career. He married Arakawa, a former classical pianist, in 1991. Hackman had three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese, who died in 2017.
