The tragic case of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa will remain open until authorities “close the loopholes”, according to Santa Fe Sherriff Adan Mendoza. The Hollywood actor, 95, and his wife, 65, were both found dead inside their Santa Fe mansion in New Mexico on February 26, along with one of their dogs Zinna.
After weeks of speculation, officers announced on Friday (March 7) that Arakawa died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – a rat borne disease – on February 11. Hackman died about a week later, approximately February 18. Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator for the state said that because of his advanced Alzheimer’s, the actor wasn’t taken care of during this time. Despite each of their deaths being ruled as natural with no signs of internal or external trauma, Mendoza said the case will not be closed just yet. The sheriff added that they are waiting to see the couple’s cell phone records, as well as the results of necropsy, or autopsy, that is set to be conducted on their deceased dog.
During the press conference on Friday, he revealed: “We consider this an open investigation until we close the loopholes of the cell phone, until we finish out the necropsy results of the canine and the other loose ends that we need to tie up.
“But, you know, I think we’re pretty close to the timeline and with the information that Dr. Jarrell provided”. According to a search warrant obtained by Fox News Digital, detectives listed two cell phones among the items taken from their home.
Although he made it clear that his department wants to take a look at the cell phone records, Mendoza also said it was “very unlikely” that they would uncover anything they didn’t already know in regard to the timeline of their deaths.
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He also said he was unsure if the Oscar-winner even used a cell phone, or if he tried to communicate with anyone while alone in the house for a week after Arakawa died. He added: “I don’t know if he used cell phones or technology or emails, there’s no indication of that. So right now, there is no activity from Mr Hackman”.
Medoza was asked if he knew if Arakawa spoke with loved ones about how she was feeling prior to her death, which he hopes the phone records might reveal. The officer went on: “Again, we’re going through some of the communications, and I think the cell phones may have some indications of that prior of the 11th.
“But as of this moment, I don’t have any information that she was indicating that she was feeling ill during any communication.” Arakawa is said to have died first due to her infection, which initially presents with flu-like symptoms. Hantavirus is typically reported in spring and summer, often due to exposures that occur when people are near mouse droppings in homes, sheds or poorly ventilated areas.