Authorities have released additional video footage related to the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The new materials, made public on Friday, include over three hours of police body camera video and images of agents returning to the couple’s Santa Fe home days after their bodies were discovered to search for further evidence.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead on February 26 after maintenance and security workers alerted police. Following a recent court order, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has been gradually releasing redacted records, which obscure images of the deceased to protect their privacy. More records are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The latest videos provide further insights into the investigation, showcasing the authorities’ interviews with workers and their search of the home in the days following the discovery. These videos were taken before the cause of death had been determined.
One of the videos shows detectives combing the house for evidence, including Arakawa’s laptop and other possible clues. The search was conducted with the permission of Arakawa’s family, and the officers were led to the bathroom where her body was discovered.
Another video features a pest control worker who recalls his monthly visits to the home, stating that he had not seen Hackman for at least a month but added that it was normal not to communicate with the couple during his visits. He also noted that the last time he saw Hackman, the actor appeared frail and had difficulty walking with a cane.
Authorities have confirmed that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rodent-borne disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms and respiratory distress. Hackman is believed to have passed away a week later, with heart disease and complications from Alzheimer’s disease contributing to his death.
In an additional distressing detail, one of the couple’s three dogs was found dead in a crate near Arakawa’s body, while the other two dogs were found alive. A state veterinary lab determined that the deceased dog died from dehydration and starvation.
Source: Swifteradio.com
