Further searching of the home led to the discovery of one of the couple’s three German Shepards dead in the closet of the bathroom, as well as the body of Hackman in what was “believed to be a mud-room.”

In addition to noting both bodies showed “obvious signs of death,” Thomas said in the filing that he suspected Hackman had “suddenly fallen.”

Additionally, the affidavit noted that the Santa Fe City Fire Department responded to the home and conducted testing, but “did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.” A separate visit from the New Mexico Gas Company, per the document, likewise ruled “there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence.”

The front door to the couple’s home had been left ajar—which was what had prompted the call to authorities—though there were no signs of forced entry, the affidavit continued. It further stated that given the confluence of suspicious circumstances, the home “could contain evidence that would assist law enforcement in determining the circumstances pertaining to the death investigation of Eugene ‘Gene’ Allen Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.”

The search warrant, per documents obtained NBC News, was subsequently granted by a New Mexico judge on Feb. 27.

As authorities continue to investigate the couple’s deaths, Hackman’s friends, colleagues and admirers are mourning his loss.

Star Trek’s George Takei called the French Connection star a “giant,” noting he “could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it.”

He continued on X, “He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”

For a look back at Hackman’s life, and his years with Arakawa, keep reading.