Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, wife, 65, found dead in “suspicious” circumstances – National & International News – THU 27Feb2025
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, wife, 65, found dead in “suspicious” circumstances.
Judge orders halt to firing of probationary federal employees.
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, wife, 65, found dead in “suspicious” circumstances
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, 65-year-old pianist Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home by a maintenance worker on their property, who called 911. Investigators found Hackman, 95, deceased in what appeared to be a mudroom adjacent to his kitchen. He appeared to have fallen. His wife Betsy was found some distance away in a bathroom. A German Shepherd dog in a crate was also found dead. Two other dogs at the property who were not penned up were found to be healthy.
Authorities believe that Hackman and his wife had been dead for some time before being found, based on the condition of the bodies. There were no immediately apparent signs of foul play, or injuries to the bodies. However, the couple’s deaths are considered “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” according to a search warrant that was issued.
Santa Fe County sheriff Adan Mendoza said, “It’s not normal to find two people deceased in a residence. That’s concerning”. Mendoza also said it appeared the couple had been dead for “quite a while”. He also said that while there were no obvious signs of foul play, “this is an investigation, so we’re keeping everything on the table”.
A long and memorable career
Known for portraying gruff but lovable characters, Hackman’s Hollywood career spanned four decades and earned him two Oscars, the first for “The French Connection” (1972) and the second for “Unforgiven” (1992). He was also nominated for his roles in “Bonnie & Clyde” (1968), “I Never Sang for My Father” (1971), and “Mississippi Burning” (1989). His final acting role was in the 2004 comedy “Welcome to Mooseport”, after which he retired.
Hackman leaves behind a son and two daughters from his first marriage. The two daughters and a granddaughter issued a statement on Thursday: “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”.
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Judge orders halt to firing of probationary federal employees
US District Judge William Alsup of San Francisco has ruled that the US Office of Personnel Management does not have the authority to order other federal agencies to fire workers. This ruling came in a suit brought by labor unions representing federal employees. The judge ordered OPM to convey to the Defense Department and other federal agencies that he had ruled orders to fire probationary employees invalid.
While the downsizing initiatives in the federal government are being spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE does not have the authority to order firings itself. Instead, these orders have been issued largely through OPM. This ruling calls into question OPM’s authority to order personnel changes in other areas of the executive branch.
Speaking from the bench, Alsup said, “The Office of Personnel does not have any authority whatsoever under any statute in the history of the universe, to hire and fire employees within another agency”.
Alsup also called probationary employees “The lifeblood of our government”, who “start at a low level” and “work their way up”. Most probationary employees have worked at their agency for less than one year. However, long-term employees recently moved to another position within their agency are also under probationary status for a period of time.
Judge Alsup’s ruling does not have the effect of reversing the termination of workers who have already been fired. The Trump administration is likely to appeal this ruling. The case will almost certainly wind up before the Supreme Court eventually.
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