The full extent of the police investigation into the mysterious deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife has been revealed – and the troubling questions facing cops
The full details of the police investigation into the puzzling deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife are now being disclosed for the first time, showing the complex issues confronting the authorities. The search warrant executed at the scene has been made public, unveiling a series of mysteries.
The couple’s bodies were found to be in the process of “mummification”.
Firefighters conducted tests to check for potential signs of carbon monoxide leakage or poisoning, a silent killer often referred to as the “stealth assassin”, with his daughter saying that’s what the family suspect killed them.
The investigation continues in Santa Fe, New Mexico, while Hollywood grieves the loss of a superstar who bagged two Oscars, two BAFTAs, and four Golden Globe Awards during a glittering career that spanned over four decades.
Now, the police are trying to piece it all together.
Did Hackman Fall?
Officers “observed a pair of feet and legs on the ground near the kitchen area”, which they identified as Hackman’s. The report mentions he was found in “the mud room”.
It states: “The deceased male who was found wearing gray sweat pants, a blue in colour long-sleeve t-shirt, brown slippers, and walking-cane. Deputy Thomas indicated he observed a pair of sunglasses located near the decedent’s left of his body. Based on Deputy Thomas’ training and experience he suspected the male individual has suddenly fallen. Deputy Thomas advised the male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent,” reports the Mirror.
Why was the house door left open?
The two maintenance folks stumbled upon the front door hanging open, but the police decided it didn’t look like someone had busted in. No one’s sure how long that door was swinging in the breeze, and one of the dogs was out in the yard.
Still, law enforcement believe the mystery of the open door is worth a proper look.
Could Betsy have fallen too?
A black heater was near her head, according to the paperwork. It says: “He advised he suspected the heater could have fallen in the event the female abruptly fell to the ground.”
The police also “advised he also observed an orange prescription bottle on the counter-top near the deceased female. The prescription bottle appeared opened with pills scattered on the counter-top.”
Why was the dog in the closet?
The report spells it out that the police “then observed/found a deceased brown in colour German-Shepard canine. The deceased canine was located approximately 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom.”
The report’s lacking on whether the closet door was wide open or shut tight, but it did confirm the bathroom door wasn’t locked up.
Why did two dogs survive?
The report points out “the healthy dogs was initially observed near the deceased female (inside the bathroom) and the other healthy dog was observed outside the residence”.
When was last contact?
Law enforcement quizzed the maintenance blokes on the last time they had spoken with the Hackmans.
The report has it down as “they both advised it was approximately two (2) weeks prior. Both individuals advised they rarely saw the owners (of the residence) when conducting routine maintenance on the home. Both indicated they maintained contact with the homeowners through text message and phone calls and primarily communicated with the female homeowner.”
What’s not clear is whether this means they had actual face-to-face chit-chat or just sent each other messages.
Was it a carbon monoxide leak?
The Santa Fe City Fire Department checked if the air smelled of a possible carbon monoxide leak (or poisoning).
The report states: “He advised the fire department did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning… as of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence.”
Why were blunt force items seized?
The document tells us there was “no immediate signs or indications of blunt force trauma” but the police reckon it’s worth to “seize any blunt force objects in the event there is any indication of blunt force trauma” in case the pathologist finds something.
Why do cops think the case is suspicious?
Police suggest there are numerous factors at play, including the “unsecured and opened door, (how) deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom, the heater being moved, the pill bottle being opened and pills scattered next to the female, the male decedent being located in a separate room of the residence, and no obvious signs of a gas leak.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk