Key takeaways:

• Gene Hackman (95) and his wife Betsy Arakawa (65) were discovered dead in their Santa Fe home.
• No external trauma or signs of foul play were found, but the circumstances are deemed suspicious.
• Preliminary autopsy results and toxicology tests are pending to determine the cause of death.
• A dead dog was found alongside the couple, with two others found alive on the property.

Authorities in New Mexico are actively investigating the unresolved deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, whose bodies were unearthed alongside one of their dogs in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that while there were “no apparent signs of foul play,” the surrounding circumstances prompted a thorough investigation that remains ongoing. The couple's bodies were reportedly discovered by maintenance workers, who contacted a community caretaker when they failed to elicit a response at the residence. Following a welfare check, the police were alerted after it was observed that the couple were not moving.

Hackman was found sprawled on the floor in the kitchen, accompanied by his walking cane and sunglasses, while Arakawa's body was located in an upstairs bathroom near a prescription pill container with its contents reportedly scattered across the counter. Preliminary autopsy results indicated that both individuals exhibited “no external trauma,” though the sheriff’s office did not rule out any potential indications of foul play. Authorities are awaiting comprehensive results from toxicology tests administered to both deceased, anticipated to take months for conclusive findings. The HuffPost noted that the sheriff emphasized, “We’re keeping everything on the table” regarding the investigation.

Concern surrounding a potential carbon monoxide leak arose, especially since the couple might have been deceased for days or even weeks prior to discovery. Initial investigations from the Santa Fe City Fire Department did not uncover signs of a leak. As further inquiries progress, Sheriff Adan Mendoza has assured that timelines and witness accounts will be meticulously reviewed to ascertain the couple’s final days. According to a maintenance worker, the last contact with the Hackmans occurred approximately two weeks before their bodies were discovered. Meanwhile, a dead German shepherd was found inside a bathroom closet, alongside two other live dogs outside the residence.

The investigation remains open, and periodic updates are anticipated as authorities gather more information. Potential examination results regarding the couple's passing will serve as a critical aspect of probing into this perplexing situation, which continues to baffle both investigators and community members alike. Updates on the progression of this investigation are expected soon, with the sheriff's office planning to brief the public on findings.

For detailed updates, visit ABC News and Los Angeles Times.