Santa Fe Authorities Release Bodycam Footage in Gene Hackman and Wife’s Death Investigation
Santa Fe, New Mexico – Nearly a month after the discovery of actor gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, deceased in their Santa Fe home, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has released bodycam footage from the initial police response. The footage offers a glimpse into the moments when authorities arrived at the residence on February 26th, following a welfare check request.
The released video includes interactions with a maintenance worker, identified as Jesse Kessler, who first discovered the couple and alerted authorities. Kessler’s emotional reaction is captured in the footage, providing a raw and personal perspective on the tragedy.
“He was just a normal person, you know?” Kessler says of Hackman, his voice filled with disbelief. He continues, “And all of a sudden, to see that — both of them, bro. Sorry,” his voice breaking with emotion.
Kessler also described Arakawa as “a sweetheart,” highlighting the couple’s positive impact on those around them.
The bodycam footage further reveals Kessler’s account of the discovery:
“I went walking around there and that’s when we saw her — that’s when we saw her… I told Ron, ‘Call somebody. We gotta call somebody.’ And so I called Paul,and I told Paul,’I just found her. She’s gone.’ And Paul told me, ‘You gotta call the state police and I told him, ‘Can you call the state police?’ And he said, ‘No, you guys have to call them.’ And by that time, me and Ron are both pretty f**king hysterical,'” Kessler recounts, painting a vivid picture of the chaotic and distressing scene.
ron, mentioned in Kessler’s account, was the couple’s security guard, while Paul is a friend of Kessler’s.
The investigation into the deaths has been complex, with authorities initially considering various possibilities before determining the causes of death.
| Key Dates & Events | Details
Arakawa’s Death: Timeline Discrepancies
Initial reports suggested Arakawa died on February 11th. However, this timeline was later called into question after a doctor claimed to have spoken with her on February 12th. Phone records confirmed Arakawa used her cell phone on February 12th, making three calls to a medical center.
dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, clarified that Arakawa likely died “on or around” February 11th, with Hackman passing away approximately a week later.
Official Cause of Death
Dr. Jarrell stated that Hackman died from severe heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. Arakawa’s cause of death was steadfast to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness transmitted by infected rodents.Both deaths were classified as natural causes.Initial suspicions of carbon monoxide poisoning were ruled out after an investigation by the New Mexico Gas Company found no evidence of leaks.
Disturbing Details Emerge
The search warrant affidavit revealed unsettling details about the scene. hackman was found on the floor of the mud room,while Arakawa was discovered in the bathroom with a space heater nearby. Her body showed signs of decomposition and mummification. An orange prescription bottle with scattered pills was also found.
Tragically, one
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