According to a search warrant issued by the Santa Fe Sheriff's Department, Arakawa's body was found with signs of "mummification" and "bloating," indicating to officials that she had been dead for some time before she and Hackman were discovered.

Officials deemed the deaths of the Hollywood legend and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, “suspicious enough” to warrant a full investigation.

Actor Gene Hackman and his wife made Santa Fe their home decades ago. The northern New Mexico city has a reputation of being a refuge for actors and authors seeking to escape the spotlight.