Handwritten notes exchanged between the actor and his wife, filed as evidence by authorities, left social media users divided — some skeptical, others heartbroken.
Nearly two months after Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home, Santa Fe police released documents and photos from the scene. Among the materials were personal notes exchanged by the couple, discovered alongside other household items and included in the official evidence release.
The messages vary in tone. Some are light and humorous, others simple and affectionate. In one, Hackman refers to running an errand but ends the note with a joking signature, “Love, what’s his name.” Another starts with “Good morning, happy several days after your Birthday [sic],” and closes with a casual apology for needing help with dinner.
One note from Hackman makes a playful reference to “The Wizard of Oz,” writing, “She stabs me here, and she stabs me there…” Another reads, “Morning lovely girl, thinking of you and the other little guys Love G.” A separate message from Arakawa mentions daily tasks and ends with, “There is jigsaw puzzle on table [sic]. xo B.”
The release of the notes has drawn a wide range of reactions online. One commented, “So beautiful, this is love 💕,” while another said, “How sweet they loved each other…….”
Others were skeptical, raising questions about how the couple died and what happened to their belongings. “I DO NOT believe the whole dementia story,” one wrote. Another added, “Normally you would give those things to his daughters as keepsakes but let’s be real, the only thing they want and care about is his money and assets!! js.”
