Gene Hackman and wife likely died in 'similar timeframe'
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arawaka—both of whom were found lifeless in their home on Feb. 26—likely died in a "similar timeframe," the fire chief of Santa Fe in New Mexico said.
"Just because both bodies were in similar ways where we, as experts, sad to say that we know a lot about how people die and how long people are dead for," Brian Moya told Fox News Digital on March 5. "Both bodies are in a similar manner that it could be a similar timeframe."
Moya, though he wasn't a first responder to the 911 call to Hackman's home, noted that the property where the couple was found dead sprawled over 9,000 square feet and consisted of three separate structures.
He said his paramedic told him after coming from the property that Hackman, Arawaka, and their dog—later identified as the kelpie mix Zinna—were found in the "same building."
Investigators initially noted the discovery of a “deceased brown in color German Shepherd canine," misidentifying the deceased dog.
"They checked every residence for gas leaks," Moya added.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, in a press conference on Feb. 28, confirmed that Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide—a colorless and odorless gas that's a byproduct of fuel burned in some home appliances and can be fatal in poorly ventilated homes.
The New Mexico Gas Company conducted an extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at the couple's home early evening shortly after the bodies were discovered. It said there were "no significant findings."
Moya noted that since being fire chief for three years, the Santa Fe Fire Department and emergency medical services haven't responded to any calls at the Hackman residence.
The department, he said, was last involved with the investigation on Feb. 27. The sheriff's department is handling the case already.
According to USA Today, the sheriff's department, the state medical investigator, and the department of health offices declined to share information but will hold a joint press conference on March 7 (March 8, Philippine time).
On Feb. 26, first responders found the house's door unlocked and open. Pills were scattered next to Arakawa's body, which was in the bathroom.
Hackman's body, fully clothed, was found in another room. A pair of sunglasses was next to his body, indicating a sudden fall.
Investigators were trying to piece together a timeline through the couple's planners and phones, searching for any video that might hint at the couple's movements over the last few weeks.
But it was a complicated task, compounded by their low profile.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was credited for intense performances of everyman characters inspired by his troubled upbringing, notching up dozens of movie credits extending into his 70s.
He is perhaps best known as vulgar New York cop Jimmy Popeye Doyle in the 1971 crime thriller The French Connection, for which he won an Oscar for best actor.
He won another golden statuette two decades later for best supporting actor for his portrayal of the brutal small-town sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett in the 1992 western Unforgiven.
He earned three more Oscar nominations during a five-decade career in which he appeared in 80-odd films.