Arakawa died in February of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome — a rare, rodent-borne disease that can lead to a range of symptoms that include flu-like illness, headaches, dizziness and severe respiratory distress, investigators have said. Hackman is believed to have died about a week later of heart disease, with complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

The partially mummified remains of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found in their Santa Fe home Feb. 26, when maintenance and security workers arrived at the house and alerted police.

Photos, hours of footage and other documents were made public on April 15 after a recent court order that mandated any depictions of the deceased couple would be blocked from view. Authorities said additional records, including dashboard camera footage, could be released at a later date.

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The redacted Santa Fe police body camera footage showed investigators working inside the home as they tried to piece together what happened to the couple.

Investigators found one of Arakawa’s German Shepherds guarding her body outside the bathroom door.

An officer said that the dog “seems pretty friendly,” but another warned that the dog had “growled” at an officer as they tried to approach the bathroom.

The footage also showed officers discovering the body of Zinna, an Australian Kelpie, who was deceased in a crate. The dog had been recovering from gallbladder and spleen surgery. Zinna likely died from dehydration and starvation, according to a report from a veterinary lab.

Officers then walked to the other side of the house, where Hackman was found dead.

“Two totally separate areas of the house,” an officer commented. “Mhm, it’s strange,” another responded.

The footage showed them going through rooms of the home and finding nothing out of the ordinary and no signs of forced entry. The investigators also can be seen counting money that was found around the home and looking at the prescription medication on the bathroom counter as one of the couple’s dogs barked in the background.

2:45 Gene Hackman died of heart disease 7 days after wife died due to hantavirus: police

An environmental assessment of the property by state health personnel found rodent feces in three garages and two smaller guest homes, along with live traps on the property. There was no evidence of rodent activity inside the home.

According to the lengthy investigation report, a review of Arakawa’s computer showed she was actively researching medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms between Feb. 8 and the morning of Feb. 12. The searches included questions about whether COVID-19 could cause dizziness or nosebleeds. She also ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon for “respiratory support.”

“This data suggests that Betsy was actively researching medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to her death,” the report stated.

In an email with her massage therapist Katia Van Horn on Feb. 11, Arakawa wrote, “So, G woke up today with flu/cold-like symptoms, did a COVID test, negative. But out of an abundance of caution, I should cancel my appt tomorrow and rebook, say, in a couple weeks, last week of Feb if something is available.”

Arakawa’s search history also showed a query for a concierge medical service in Santa Fe the morning of Feb. 12. A review of her phone records by investigators showed she had a call with the service that lasted less than two minutes and missed a return call later that afternoon.

Investigators reviewed a call history to the home phone along with voicemails and security footage from stores that Arakawa had visited on Feb. 11.

In a police interview with Hackman’s two daughters, they said he didn’t know how to operate a cellphone and could not send emails, according to the New York Times.

They said that they were aware Hackman had memory issues, a report by Santa Fe County Det. Joel Cano stated, according to the outlet. 

“They recalled that on Jan. 30, 2024, Gene had to be reminded three times that it was his birthday,” he wrote.

1:43 ‘Send somebody quick’: 911 call released for Gene Hackman and wife’s death

In a press release published on April 15, the Santa Fe County explained their decision to release the public records concerning the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa.

“The New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) placed the County in a difficult position,” explained Gregory S. Shaffer, county manager. “On the one hand, we deeply understand the family’s need for privacy during this painful time. On the other, the County has a duty to follow the law and faced potential lawsuits, damages, and attorney’s fees under IPRA if we withheld the records.”

In March, a New Mexico court granted a temporary restraining order against the release of certain records related to the investigation into the deaths.

The order was in response to a request by Julia Peters, a representative for their estate. She urged in a motion filed earlier in March that the court seal records in the case to protect the family’s right to privacy in grief under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Peters emphasized the possibly shocking nature of photographs and video in the investigation and the potential for their dissemination by the media.

But the county asked the court for guidance “that would both honor the family’s core wishes and shield our community from potential liability under IPRA,” according to the press release.

“Our statutory and fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers requires us to find compassionate and workable solutions that respect both public transparency requirements and a grieving family’s dignity,” Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said.

In the press release, the Board of County Commissioners and the Santa Fe County sheriff also extended their “heartfelt appreciation to the first responders who handled this devastating situation with exceptional care and professionalism, especially under intense media attention.”

“We offer our sincere condolences to the Hackman family in their time of loss and will fully respect the First Judicial District Court’s preliminary injunction,” the press release added.

1:37 Police release bodycam video of officers responding to Gene Hackman home

The request to seal the records originally noted that the couple placed “a significant value on their privacy and took affirmative vigilant steps” to safeguard their privacy over their lifetime, including after they moved to Santa Fe and Hackman retired.

“The personal representative seeks to continue to preserve the privacy of the Hackmans following their tragic death and support the family’s constitutional right to remembrance and desire to grieve in peace,” the document stated.

On March 25, authorities released body camera footage from outside the Hackman home and officers were seen arriving at the scene for the first time and speaking with two maintenance workers who alerted authorities after discovering a body lying face down through a window.

“Something is not right. Something is not right,” one of the workers said to officers in the footage.

“My concern is a carbon monoxide issue,” an officer said after looking through the window of the home.

Authorities soon determined there were no leaks that could have been fatal, further fuelling a mystery that captured the public’s attention.

“Then we kept walking, and I seen something laying there. All of a sudden to see that, both of them, bro, it’s — sorry,” one of the maintenance workers said, fighting back tears.

The bodycam video also shared the moment that officers called Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth to deliver the heartbreaking news of her father’s death.

“I’m real sorry for your loss,” the officer told Elizabeth.

Elizabeth requested for the couple’s deceased dog to be cremated and buried with Arakawa.

“If the dog was wearing a collar, could you save that for me?” Elizabeth asked.

2:08 The genius of legendary actor Gene Hackman

In a previous statement, Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and granddaughter Annie said, “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

— With files from The Associated Press

Nick Carter is facing new sexual assault allegations in a lawsuit that claims he sexually assaulted a woman and gave her a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that led to cervical cancer.

In the lawsuit, filed last week in Nevada, a woman named Laura Penly claims that she met Carter in late 2004 when she was 19 years old and he was in his mid-20s and they began having a consensual sexual relationship when they “would see each other approximately every few weeks” when she visited Los Angeles, according to documents obtained by People.

Penly alleges that she had asked the Backstreet Boys singer to wear a condom and he “refused,” telling her that he was “clean” from STIs, according to her filing. (Global News has not independently viewed the legal documents.)

According to the lawsuit, Penly says that prior to Carter, now 45, she never had unprotected sex with anyone.

She alleges that in early 2005, she went to Carter’s apartment but only wanted to watch a movie with him. Her lawsuit alleges that Carter “told her no because the only reason she was there was to have sex.”

The lawsuit alleges that the sexual assault “forcefully” happened on his bed, despite Penly “saying ‘no’ multiple times.”

Carter allegedly “failed to use protection to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.”

Penly says she was told to keep the assault a secret since no one would believe her anyway. But a few months later, Carter allegedly apologized and she went to see him again where she alleges she was sexually assaulted for a second time, according to the lawsuit.

The woman alleges that Carter “infected plaintiff with various sexually transmitted diseases, including the human papillomavirus (commonly known as HPV), a sexually transmitted infection known to cause health problems such as cervical cancer.”

Penly allegedly tested positive for chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as cancerous cells following a doctor’s visit in July 2005.

By August 2005, Penly “was diagnosed with Stage 2 cervical cancer and had to undergo numerous treatments,” according to the suit.

Penly claims she dealt with “severe emotional distress, physical anguish, medical issues, intimacy issues, and other complex trauma” following the diagnosis and alleged assault.

She is seeking damages in excess of $15,000 and is demanding a jury trial.

0:38 Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter accused of rape by member of girl-group Dream

“It takes profound courage and resilience for survivors of sexual assault to publicly come forward in pursuit of justice, particularly in the music industry that has long fostered a pervasive environment of sexual exploitation,” Penly’s lawyer, Gianna N. Elliot, said in a statement.

“Carter used his power, status, and fame to sexually abuse and assault multiple young women and avoid any accountability. This lawsuit aims to change that pattern,” Elliot continued.

“We hope that Laura receives the justice she rightfully deserves and that this lawsuit serves as a catalyst, empowering other survivors to raise their voices and hold their abusers to account,” Elliot concluded.

Carter has denied Penly’s accusations, which his lawyers, Liane K. Wakayama and Dale Hayes, Jr, called “nonsense from the gang of conspirators and their lawyers who continue to abuse the justice system to try to ruin Nick Carter.”

“It’s drawn from the same predictable playbook — lie in wait for decades until Mr. Carter is celebrating a professional milestone, then hide behind litigation privilege to make utterly false claims in an attempt to inflict maximum damage on Nick and his family,” his lawyers said in a statement.

Carter’s lawyers claim that the singer doesn’t recall ever meeting Penly.

“He certainly never had any romantic or sexual relationship with her. Ever,” they said.

1:57 Nick Carter fights back tears as Backstreet Boys pay tribute to late brother Aaron Carter

Penly’s lawsuit marks the fourth sexual assault lawsuit filed against Carter.

In August 2023, an unnamed Pennsylvania woman filed a lawsuit in Clark County, Nev., alleging that the singer raped her when she was 15 years old in 2003.

In the legal filing, the woman, identified only as A.R., claimed Carter sexually assaulted her multiple times in 2003, when Carter was 22 and 23 years old. She alleged Carter raped her in separate instances onboard a yacht and a boat in Florida, and sexually assaulted her on a bus.

In one instance, A.R. claimed Carter provided her drugs and alcohol at a party onboard a boat in October 2003. After she became drunk, A.R. alleged Carter took her to a cabin where he allowed three other men to watch him rape her.

A.R. also claimed she contracted HPV from Carter.

She sued him for sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

She was the third woman to file a lawsuit of this nature against the Backstreet Boys star.

Two other women, Shannon Ruth and Melissa Schuman, have also accused Carter of rape and sexual assault. Ruth said Carter raped her when she was 17 years old.

In February 2023, Carter filed a countersuit and denied both women’s claims. He called Ruth and Schuman “opportunists” who took advantage of the #MeToo movement to “defame and vilify” him for financial gain.

As part of earlier lawsuits, Ruth said Carter invited her onto a tour bus after a concert in Tacoma, Wash., when she was 17 years old. She claimed Carter gave her alcohol and forced her to perform oral sex before he raped her. Ruth also alleged that she contracted HPV from Carter.

In 2017, Schuman, a former member of the girl group Dream, accused Carter of sexually assaulting her when she was 18.

Schuman told the court Carter sexually assaulted and raped her at his Santa Monica, Calif., apartment in 2003 after giving her a sedative. At the time, Carter (then 22) and Schuman (then 18) were co-workers filming the thriller movie The Hollow. 

In August 2024, Carter filed a $2.5-million countersuit against Schuman for defamation and interference with existing and prospective business contracts after she filed a suit against him for sexual assault and battery in April 2023.

Through his lawyers, Carter said Schuman’s lawsuit caused him to lose $2.5 million in business partnership deals with MeUndies, VRBO, Roblox and The Children’s Place, according to a Rolling Stone report. Carter also said ticket sales for his shows had slowed as a result of the lawsuit, leading to less profit.

Carter’s countersuit maintained he had been “falsely accused” of wrongdoing by Schuman, who has a “thirst for Internet relevance.” His lawsuit claimed Carter and Schuman had a “flirtatious” dynamic prior to having consensual sex in 2003.

Carter has never faced any criminal charges in relation to these allegations.

—

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or is involved in an abusive situation, please visit the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime for help. They are also reachable toll-free at 1-877-232-2610.

— With files from Global News

Rourke, 72, agreed to depart the show on April 12 following a conflict with Chris Hughes, 32, a fellow houseguest and Love Island alum.

“You looking at me?” Rourke asked Hughes during a pirate-themed challenge after several houseguests suggested there was a rat amongst the crew.

“Don’t eyeball me. Don’t f***ing eyeball me c***,” Rourke said to Hughes as other houseguests separated the pair.

Following the disagreement between Rourke and Hughes, a spokesperson for Celebrity Big Brother U.K. said the actor’s language was considered “threatening and aggressive” and noted that no physical altercation took place.

“Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour,” the spokesperson for Celebrity Big Brother U.K. told the BBC.

During Sunday’s episode, the events leading up to Rourke’s departure were shown, including him using “sexual language” towards The Only Way is Essex star Ella Rae Wise, 24, who said she felt uncomfortable.

“(It) just makes me feel on edge. I don’t like the jokes, like the sexual jokes being made towards me. I’m a young girl and I’m not a piece of meat,” Wise told Big Brother in the Diary Room.

Big Brother then announced to the house that Rourke would be leaving, just seven days after entering the house.

Rourke apologized when he was confronted about his behaviour in the Diary Room, saying, “I’m sorry. I can’t take it back, you know, I stepped over the line.”

“And I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing. Because I lost my temper, and I’ve been trying to work on it my whole life and I wish I would have had better self-control and I’m very sorry. I’m ashamed of myself for losing it for a few seconds there,” he said.

“I blame myself. I know it was my bad, you know, I’ve got a short fuse. I know I upset a lot of people out there,” Rourke continued. “I’m sorry for that. I’m actually ashamed of myself for getting that hot. I went over the line, you know, I did wrong. I guess I could say I’m a work in progress.”

Just days before he removed himself from the house, Rourke received his first warning by the production after he directed several homophobic comments toward fellow housemate JoJo Siwa, 21.

In a clip from the episode, Rourke can be heard asking Siwa whether she likes boys or girls.

“Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary,” Siwa said in the footage.

“If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” Rourke replied to Siwa.

“I can guarantee, I’ll still be gay, and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship,” Siwa shot back.

Later in the episode, Rourke told Hughes that he’s “going to vote the lesbian out real quick,” which Siwa overheard and said to Rourke, “That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning.”

Rourke then said loudly, “I need a f**,” and gestured towards Siwa and said, “I’m not talking to you.”

Hughes jumped in and told Rourke that he should not say that, to which Rourke retorted he meant he needed a cigarette.

Once Rourke returned to the house, Big Brother said over the speakers: “This is Big Brother, would Mickey come to the Diary Room?”

“Mickey, do you understand how this language could be offensive to your housemates or the viewing public?” Big Brother asked Rourke once he was in the Diary Room.

“Big Brother thinks your language was offensive and unacceptable,” Big Brother told Rourke. “As a result, Big Brother is giving you a formal warning.”

“Right, I understand that. I apologize. I don’t have dishonourable intentions. I’m just talking smack, you know?” Rourke said.

In a statement to Variety, a spokesperson for ITV, which airs Celebrity Big Brother U.K., said,  “All housemates receive respect and inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother senior team to prepare them for living in the house and to set out Big Brother’s expectation for appropriate behaviour and language.

“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and instances of inappropriate behaviour are dealt with appropriately and timely.”

5:45 Big Brother 26 highlights: Robots, shocking twists, and spicy houseguests!

After Rourke began making headlines for his comments on the show, actress Bella Thorne accused him of sexual misconduct on-set of a film they worked on together. She did not specify the project, but the pair worked together on the horror film Girl, released in 2020.

“This f****ing dude. GROSS,” Throne wrote over a picture of Rourke. “I had to work with this man — in a scene where I’m on my knees and with my hands zip tied around my back. He’s supposed to take a metal grinder to my kneecap cap and instead he used it on my genitals through my jeans. Hitting them over and over again. I had bruises on my pelvic bone.”

“Working with Mickey was one of the all-time worst experiences of my life working as an actress,” Thorne added.

In another post, Thorne continued to describe her experience with Rourke, writing, “So many gross stories of things he made me go through on that movie, including in his last scene to speed up and rev his engine so he could cover me completely in dirt.”

“I guess he thought it was funny to humiliate me in front of the entire crew. Having to go in his trailer absolutely alone because he refused to speak to the director or producers — so I had to convince him to show up and complete his job, as he shouted crazy demands that he wanted from the producers. In fact I had to beg. Alone. In his trailer,” Throne wrote.

“Since the movie could not be finished without him. Everyone’s work would’ve just been lost and completely for nothing. I didn’t wanna do it. I was uncomfortable, but I did what I was asked to do and what was best for the movie,” she said. “Mickey should’ve never put anybody in that movie in any of those positions that he did.”

In response to Thorne’s allegations, a representative for Rourke told The Hollywood Reporter, “We are aware of the deeply troubling statements made by Bella Thorne regarding her experience on-set with Mr. Rourke during the production of a past film. These allegations are extremely serious.”

“Mr. Rourke adamantly denies any intentional misconduct. He has not been contacted previously with any claims of this nature and was unaware of any discomfort expressed by Ms. Thorne at the time,” the rep continued. “Out of respect for all parties involved and in light of the gravity of the claims, Mr. Rourke will refrain from commenting further at this time.”

“He is prepared to cooperate fully with any appropriate inquiry. We extend our support to all professionals who deserve to feel safe and respected in their workplace,” Rourke’s rep added.

‘Celebrity Big Brother U.K.’ airs weeknights at 9 p.m. BST on ITV1 and ITVX.