The full details of the police investigation into the unexplained are now being disclosed for the first time, revealing the complex issues confronting the police.
The search warrant executed by officers at the scene has been made public, unveiling a series of mysteries. Firefighters conducted tests to detect any signs of a potential carbon monoxide leak or poisoning, a silent killer that has ominously been dubbed the "stealth assassin" over time.
The investigation continues in Santa Fe, New Mexico, while Hollywood grieves the loss of a superstar who claimed two Oscars, two BAFTAs, and four Golden Globe Awards during an illustrious career spanning four decades.
The search warrant has brought puzzling new questions about Hackman and Arakawa's tragic deaths.
Officers "observed a pair of feet and legs on the ground near the kitchen area" which they identified as belonging to Hackman. The report states he was found in "the mud room," reports .
It reads: "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."
Why was the house door left open?The maintenance duo discovered the front door slightly open, yet police determined there was no evidence of forced entry. The duration for which the door remained open is unclear, and one of the dogs was found in the garden, possibly having pushed its way out.
Nonetheless, authorities maintain that the open door warrants further scrutiny.
A report mentions a black heater near her head, stating: "He advised he suspected the heater could have fallen in the event the female abruptly fell to the ground."
It also notes an observation by the officer of "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."
According to the report, 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."
While it doesn't specify if the closet door was open or closed, it does confirm that the bathroom door was ajar.
Why were the other two dogs unharmed?The report details that "the healthy dogs was initially observed near the deceased female (inside the bathroom) and the other healthy dog was observed outside the residence."
Police inquired about the last time the maintenance staff had been in contact with the Hackmans.
The report reveals, ""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."
The nature of this contact, whether in person or via text, remains ambiguous.
Was there a gas leak?In the wake of the incident, questions arose about a potential carbon monoxide leak. The Santa Fe City Fire Department conducted tests to ascertain the presence of such a leak or poisoning.
According to the report: "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 is the case now ruled as "suspicious?"Amidst the investigation, authorities seized blunt force items despite the report stating there was "no immediate signs or indications of blunt force trauma". The police have decided to "seize any blunt force objects in the event there is any indication of blunt force trauma" should a pathologist find evidence of such injuries.
The case has been marked as suspicious by the police, but the details leading to this classification remain undisclosed.
Authorities have revealed a range of factors contributing to the confusing scene, with one cop listing the disturbing discoveries: "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."
A complex puzzle for investigators indeed, as they piece together the disparate elements found at the grim scenario.