Medical Examiner Explains How Mummification Affects the Investigation into Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Deaths

After discovering the couple's bodies in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, forensic experts explained the challenges complicating the investigation.

Chief Medical Examiner James Gill of Connecticut explained that mummification makes it impossible to determine who died first between Gene Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, while forensic pathologist Judy Melinek shared her insights on their bodies' decomposition. Their analysis sparked discussions among netizens.

Gill explained in an interview with People, "You're not going to be able to tell from the postmortem changes, because once you get to mummification then all bets are off."

He continued, "It depends where in the house they were, what were they wearing, all sorts of things can affect the postmortem changes. Once you get to that mummification stage there's nothing to ... be able to distinguish the two deaths timewise."

He added that mummification occurs more quickly in dry environments, where the body loses moisture faster than in non-dry conditions. Heat can also speed up decomposition. "Was that bathroom drier? What if the heater was on? That certainly could explain some advanced mummification," he added.

A person's location in the house and what they were wearing may also affect the rate of decomposition. "What kind of clothing are they wearing? Is he in front of a window with the sun coming in? Or is she in a closed room with no windows? All those factors can play a role in how quickly someone decomposes," Gill explained.

Meanwhile, Melinek added that as decomposition advances, it becomes harder to determine the time of death. "When you have bodies that are decomposed or haven't been seen, and especially with people who haven't been seen for a while, the first question in terms of trying to figure out what happened is figuring out the time of death," she said.

In the early stages after death, experts rely on postmortem indicators such as rigor mortis (body stiffening) and algor mortis (body cooling). "And we can use those to try to narrow down the postmortem interval, but once the body's decomposed, it's a lot harder to do," Melinek added.

She also said investigators try to narrow down the timeline "by things like scene findings and circumstantial evidence." She noted that they consider factors such as the last time the victims were seen alive, when they were found dead, and when their mail began piling up.

Melinek noted that after 10 days, bodies "start to fall apart," causing certain organs to "disintegrate" and lose the anatomical markers that help determine if they were functioning properly. In some cases, decomposition leads to mummification, further complicating forensic analysis.

According to a search warrant affidavit, Arakawa showed signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification in her hands and feet. Officers also found the couple's dog dead in a bathroom closet, about 10 to 15 feet away from her.

Hackman was later discovered in the mudroom, wearing gray sweatpants and a blue long-sleeved T-shirt. Nearby, officers found a pair of sunglasses and a walking cane. One officer suspected he had "suddenly fallen," while the affidavit noted that his condition was "similar and consistent" with Arakawa's.

The case has sparked discussion among netizens, with many expressing sadness and curiosity. One person wrote, "Such a sad story. Let them rest in peace." Another wondered, "What I don't understand is how no one came by the house in so many days. How often does the help they had come, ie house cleaner, gardener, etc [sic]?"

One netizen suggested that Hackman's death could have been due to his age and heart condition. Another expressed skepticism about the situation, implying that wealthy individuals should have security and hinting at a potential unresolved issue.

Some speculated on forensic evidence, "The pacemaker tells the time of death." Another believed that the case should not be further scrutinized, "Remains a mystery to the public. And maybe it should stay that way."

Authorities had previously ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death.

As reported earlier, Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya proposed a theory about the couple's deaths after officials admitted to an error in the investigation, raising new questions about the case.

Detectives deemed the circumstances "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation" because the person who reported it discovered the front door unsecured and open.

Maintenance workers Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay, who reportedly hadn't seen the couple in about two weeks, discovered them. Kesler, who had been their personal contractor for 16 years, made the urgent 911 call.

Inside the home, the couple was unresponsive, a distressing sight that left the caller shaken. When deputies arrived, they observed a healthy dog roaming the property and another near Arakawa's body. A third dog was found dead inside a bathroom closet.

However, new details later clarified the identity of the deceased animal. Early reports incorrectly stated that the deceased dog was a German Shepherd named Bear.

It was later revealed to be Zinna, a 12-year-old reddish Australian Kelpie mix that had once trained in agility for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Joey Padilla, who took in the surviving dogs at Santa Fe Tails, confirmed that Zinna was found inside a closed crate.

Meanwhile, investigators also noted a displaced heater, an open pill bottle with pills scattered nearby, and Hackman's body in a different room. However, no obvious signs of a gas leak were detected. Investigators continued piecing together the unsettling scene, noting key details about the couple's final moments.

Arakawa was discovered in the bathroom, lying on her right side near the countertop. A black space heater was positioned close to her head, leading authorities to consider whether it had been knocked over during a sudden fall.

An open orange prescription bottle sat nearby, with pills scattered across the surface. Her body showed signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification in her hands and feet, indicating she had been deceased for some time.

Hackman was found fully clothed in a separate room off the kitchen. His sunglasses were beside him, raising suspicions that he may have collapsed unexpectedly.

Despite initial concerns about a possible gas leak, authorities ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning following "extensive testing" at the couple's home.

Fire officials found no indications of a leak, and testing by the New Mexico Gas Company confirmed, "As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence."

With gas leaks ruled out, Moya offered insight into the possible timeframe of Hackman and Arakawa's deaths.

Though he was not among the first responders, he pointed out that both bodies were in a similar state, suggesting they may have died around the same time. He also noted that the property was expansive, covering more than 9,000 square feet and consisting of three separate structures.

The property's layout presented challenges, but officials confirmed that Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog were all found within the same structure. Moya shared that a paramedic returning from the scene relayed this information.

Although the estate included three separate buildings, all were inspected for gas leaks, and no issues were found. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza later confirmed that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide.

Mendoza also disclosed that Hackman's pacemaker last recorded activity on February 17, 2025. Investigators believe this was likely the day he passed, as his body was not discovered until nine days later.

Meanwhile, Moya stated that during his three years in the role, the fire department and emergency medical services had never been called to the couple's residence before this incident. He also confirmed that their involvement in the investigation ended on February 27, 2025, with the case now fully under the sheriff's department.

As authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa's deaths, Gill previously suggested possible explanations. While not involved in the case, he provided insight based on similar situations.

He ruled out the likelihood of a "companion suicide," explaining, "I've seen cases like that — usually they're together in bed. The fact that they're in two separate locations tells me that I think that's less likely."

Gill suggested that Hackman's medical history could have played a role. "From the initial kind of circumstances, it seems like he may have collapsed — he's got a history of heart disease. He's got a pacemaker. So that would not be unusual," he said.

While the actor's medical history may explain his sudden collapse, questions remain about Arakawa's death and whether it was connected to his death. Gill suggested that the stress of witnessing a loved one's death can sometimes trigger a fatal response.

He noted that in some cases, extreme emotional shock can lead to a natural death. Another possibility, he said, is that Arakawa may have passed first, and Hackman collapsed while trying to get help.

Given his age and history of heart disease, Gill explained that this scenario was just as likely, though an autopsy would determine if Arakawa had any underlying health conditions.

Although uncommon, Gill acknowledged that two people dying naturally within a short time frame — sometimes called a "broken heart-type thing" — has been known to occur. The shock of discovering a deceased loved one can cause a surge of adrenaline, potentially leading to an irregular heartbeat.

He also pointed out that in some cases, grief can lead individuals to take their own lives, sometimes through medication or other means. However, he emphasized that toxicology testing would be necessary to rule out any involvement of substances.

Gill stated that autopsy and toxicology results would ultimately provide answers, adding that without those findings, any conclusions at this stage would be speculative. He also dismissed the possibility of a scenario where a dependent person dies after their caregiver suddenly passes, as Hackman was mobile and able to care for himself.

Gill noted that certain pacemakers and defibrillators track heart rhythms using WiFi or Bluetooth, which could help pinpoint the time of death.

As investigators search for answers, those who knew the couple remember them as devoted animal lovers who treated their dogs like family. Friends described Hackman as a lifelong German Shepherd enthusiast, deeply committed to the well-being of his pets.

Their sudden deaths, along with one of their dogs, have left friends and the community stunned. While the cause remains unknown, those close to them insist they would never endanger their pets.

Steff Smith, founder of the Southwest German Shepherd Society, described Hackman as a "softy" who teared up when adopting his first dog. He and Arakawa later adopted two more and remained loyal supporters of the organization.

The couple became increasingly private in recent years, retreating from social interactions. Friends who once visited regularly noticed they no longer welcomed guests. Even those closest to them had not seen them in years, though no one suspected anything was wrong.

Despite their seclusion, Arakawa kept in touch with a few people and exchanged emails in the weeks before her death without raising any concerns.

However, her routine calls to her 91-year-old mother in Hawaii suddenly stopped in October 2024, leaving family members worried. When authorities delivered the tragic news, her mother struggled to comprehend it.

As those close to Arakawa grappled with the loss, the film industry mourned Hackman's passing, remembering his enduring legacy. Morgan Freeman honored his "dear friend" at the recent Oscar Awards. He reflected on his influence, saying, "He received two Oscars but more importantly he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world."

As investigators work to uncover the truth behind Hackman and Arakawa's mysterious deaths, those who knew them continue to grieve the loss of a couple known for their quiet devotion to each other, their animals, and their passions.

While questions remain, Hackman's legacy endures — both in the hearts of his loved ones and in the countless performances that cemented his place in cinematic history.