Randy Quaid has publicly declared his belief that Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were murdered.
The entertainment world was shaken last week by the shocking news that the couple had been found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Initial reports suggested no signs of foul play, but newly obtained details from a search warrant have led authorities to classify the case as suspicious and worthy of further investigation.
In the days since, speculation has run rampant online, fueled by the peculiar circumstances surrounding their deaths. According to the Associated Press, Hackman’s body was discovered in a mudroom, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom near a space heater.
An update from a Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office search warrant also revealed that an open prescription bottle and scattered pills were found on the bathroom countertop.
One of Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ that while the family remains uncertain about the exact cause of death, they suspect carbon monoxide poisoning could be a factor.
“The house was built in 2000, so it’s relatively modern,” Elizabeth explained. “We don’t know if there were any gas leaks or recent service calls to the property.”
However, as part of their investigation, the Santa Fe City Fire Department has since ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, stating that no traces were detected in the home. The New Mexico Gas Company also conducted tests and found no evidence of a gas leak.
Among those weighing in on the tragedy is Randy Quaid, who shared his unfiltered belief that Hackman and Arakawa were victims of a staged murder.
Gene Hackman and his wife are murder victims, some scum bags did it and staged it. Stop talking about the films he is in, this is how they get away with murdering famous people! Fake News starts generating film clips. How is it possible I know at least 6 people who have died like…
— Randy Quaid (@RandyRRQuaid) March 1, 2025
The 74-year-old actor took to X, writing:
“Gene Hackman and his wife are murder victims. Some scum bags did it and staged it. Stop talking about the films he’s in—this is how they get away with murdering famous people!
Fake News starts generating film clips. How is it possible I know at least six people who have died like Carradine, Hackman, Ledger?”
Known for his controversial statements, Quaid continued:
“I should become a special FBI agent investigating Hollywood Murders!
I already have some good leads on who killed Gene Hackman.”
However, he did not elaborate on his theories.
What are your thoughts on the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa? Share your opinions in the comments.