Gene Hackman death update: Investigator reveals horror details of mummification

Gene Hackman death update: Investigator reveals horror details of mummification

Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya shared new insights into the mummification process following the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy, who were both found in a state of decomposition.

Discussing the particularly grim aspects of the case, Moya was not able to speculate which of the couple might have died first, stating that such inquiries should be directed to the Sheriff’s office. However, he did elaborate on what mummification might entail, saying, “If somebody was down for a long time their hands could be blackened and stuff to that nature. They could have no eyes. The eyes could have been gone by that time.”

He continued, “My indication is that we don’t know how long they were down. My team’s main focus was to find out if they were deceased.”

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Details previously emerged showing the extent of Betsy’s decomposition, with noticeable signs of death including swelling in the face and mummification in both hands and feet. Hackman was found to have the same signs of decomposition.

Brian Moya has issued a statement
It has been reported that authorities intend to speak to Hackman’s three adult children in an effort to outline the actor and his wife’s last known activities. Gene had three kids from a previous marriage to Faye Maltese – Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie.

Confirmations from the police reveal discussions are ongoing with “family members” as part of an investigation into the couple’s final days. Gene and Betsy were discovered dead in separate areas of their New Mexico home earlier this week.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza acknowledged the investigation into the couple’s death has been a “challenge” in pinpointing who they last communicated with. It was previously suggested maintenance workers may have spoken to the couple last, but that is now unclear.

Leslie, 58, admitted she had not spoken to her father for some time, saying, “We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple of months, but everything was normal and everything was good.”

Meanwhile, Elizabeth, 62, had suspected toxic fumes caused Gene and Betsy’s deaths, however, this theory was dismissed following a post-mortem examination. Authorities now believe two cell phones discovered at the residence could be crucial to the case, and have seized them for analysis, considering bringing in outside forensic experts if needed.

During a press conference held on Friday, it came to light that Hackman likely died around nine days before he was found by law enforcement. Sheriff Mendoza confirmed the most recent activity on Hackman’s pacemaker happened on February 17.

When asked if that might have been the day Hackman died, Mendoza responded that it was a “very good assumption. It’s unclear if Gene or his wife died first.

Both were discovered in a “mummified” state, along with their dog. The couple’s last public appearance together was on March 28, 2024, where Hackman was seen leaning on his wife’s arm for support, with a walking cane in his other hand.