According to officials, Hackman had Alzheimer’s disease, which explains why he never reported his wife to the police. The majority of Betsy’s assets are left to Gene in her will,
But there is a clause that states that if they pass away within ninety days of one another, it would be deemed a simultaneous death, in which case her whole estate will be donated to charity.
Since New Mexico is a community property state, Betsy’s half of the inheritance, assuming there is no prenuptial agreement, would go to charity.
Regarding Gene’s estate, his children would likely get his portion since they are the closest immediate living heirs, even if he did not name them in his will.
Chris, Gene’s eldest brother, has allegedly recruited renowned California trust and estate lawyer Andrew M. Katzenstein, suggesting he may contest the will.
