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Oscar winner Jean Hackman, 95, and his classic pianist wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead at her Santa Fe home on Wednesday, and authorities now offer new insights into the investigation.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza and Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya appeared on the “Today” show on Zoom Friday, talking about the possible event.
Savannah Guthrie asked Mendoza about the latest in her investigation. He said: Of course, we understand that it is a challenge as it was a very individual and private family. ”
Guthrie asked if the body had been there for days or weeks, and Mendoza replied, “Based on his body and other evidence of his body, it would take days, perhaps even weeks.”
She followed up and asked if they could have died at the same time. The sheriff told her, “I think it’s very difficult to judge. I think it’s pretty close. There’s no indication that someone is moving around the house or doing something different. So it’s very difficult to tell whether both of them were passing by at the same time or how close they got. We’re trying to put that information together…and I think the autopsy report will be the key to this investigation.”
The Savanna then brought in the moya and asked if carbon monoxide or gas leaks were clearly ruled out.
Moya said, “At that time [search]we did not decide what’s in the house with the meter we are concerned about is searching. So, at the time of the incident, nothing was found in the house. ”
Savannah grew up and it seemed like it had been some time between when they died and when they were found, and asked if the gas leak had dissipated.
Final photo of Jean Hackman and his wife Betsy took months to be found dead
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He replied. It was a house filled with natural gas. So that’s possible. Yes, there are a lot [questions] There. “
Guthrie, referring to the search warrant, asked Mendoza to clarify whether the front door is unlocked or open.
Mendoza said: The front door was closed, but it was unlocked and I think it was unsecured. There was one door that was an ajar and one door that said two of the surviving dogs were in and out of the residence. So there are some slightly contradictory stories based on emergency response and things. I don’t know if the door was open when the paramedics arrived or if it was open when the paramedics entered. That’s another question and something we need to answer. ”
Jean Hackman’s daughter speaks of an investigation into the death and calls the situation “agitated.”
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Savanna also asked if the prescription drug referenced in the search warrant was related to death.
Mendoza added that the information was handed over to the medical examination room, “Yes, we are looking at other medications specifically and possibly in that place of residence.”
He noted that reporting toxicology could take up to three months, or perhaps long.
Guthrie asked if he was certain that foul plays were not involved.
Mendoza said: Again, I think the results of the autopsy… will help us guide us in the right direction. ”
