Key evidence found by Gene Hackman's wife Betsy's body is 'significant' cops say

Evidence found near Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa's body is "significant" and "of concern", police have said.

Oscar-winning actor Gene, 95, and his wife Betsy, 65, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Wednesday, February 26. The couple were found deceased in separate rooms by police after the emergency services were called to the property.

Betsy's body was discovered next to a heater, which could have fallen on her. However, police are now said to be interested in the bottle of prescription pills located near the classical pianist's body.

Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza is said to have claimed the pills are "significant evidence" and are "of concern". He is said to have described the pills as "very important evidence" and said they have been passed onto a medical investigator.

He said: "We’re looking at [the pills] specifically, and other medications possibly in the residence".

During his statement, which he gave during a press conference on Friday February 28, he said: "Now, collected from the residence, from this search warrant; there were two green in colour cell phones, two bottles of medication, one bottle of over-the-counter Tylenol. My request, medical records, and a 2025 monthly planner calendar. Those items were secured from the residence for evidentiary purposes."

The sheriff also explained that an autopsy on the bodies has been performance and listed the initial findings. He said: "An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted: no external trauma to either individual, the manner and cause of death has not been determined. Official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. Just today, I spoke to Dr Jarell, the pathologist from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator – this was at 2pm today.

"She advised that were several tests admitted to be expedited. She revealed to me the following information; both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide. An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr Hackman's pacemaker, this revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17 2025. I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed. That will conclude my statement, I will take a few questions. Just so everybody knows this is an active investigation still."

Meanwhile, police have also said they want to speak to Gene's three children to try and establish his final movements before the triple tragedy. Police have confirmed they are speaking to “family members” as they try to piece together Gene and his wife Betsy’s final days. The pair were found dead in separate rooms of their New Mexico home earlier this week.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza also said that it had been a “challenge” so far to determine the last people the couple spoke to.