Investigation into Gene Hackman and Wife’s Death Faces Early Setback
The investigation surrounding the perplexing deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has encountered an initial misstep, as confirmed by Fox News Digital. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department in New Mexico misidentified the breed of a dog found deceased near Arakawa’s body, potentially complicating the early stages of the investigation.
Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails, the pet care facility entrusted with the care of the Hackmans’ two surviving dogs, brought the error to light. Padilla stated that the deceased dog’s breed differed from the one noted in the search warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital.
The Hackmans reportedly owned three dogs: Zinna, Bear, and Nikita. "Zinna was a mutt… a mixed breed," Padilla explained to Fox News Digital. He further identified Bear as a purebred German shepherd and Nikita as a shepherd mix.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the initial misidentification. Denise Womack-Avila, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, attributed the error to the deputies’ limited daily interaction with canines. "Our deputies, they don’t work with canines on a daily basis," she stated, according to The Associated Press.
The discrepancy in breed identification raises questions about the thoroughness of the initial scene assessment and could potentially impact the interpretation of evidence gathered at the Hackmans’ residence. While seemingly a minor detail, accurate identification of the dog’s breed could offer clues regarding its behavior, health, and potential role in the events leading up to the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa.
Padilla also shared observations about the behavior of the surviving shepherd mix, Nikita. He described her as being "really terrified of what was going on when all of this was happening," suggesting that the dog may have witnessed or experienced something traumatic surrounding the deaths of her owners. This observation could be crucial in understanding the events that transpired in the Hackmans’ home.
The timeline of events surrounding the dogs’ care after the deaths remains somewhat unclear. It is unknown how long the surviving dogs were left unattended before being rescued. Padilla noted that Nikita was hungry when she arrived at Santa Fe Tails, indicating a period of potential neglect. However, the dog initially refused treats due to the presence of numerous people, highlighting her distressed state. Animal services reportedly utilized a trap to secure Nikita before she was taken to the pet care facility.
The bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa were discovered on February 26 at their Santa Fe home. Initial reports indicated that their bodies were partially mummified, suggesting they may have been deceased for up to two weeks. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed this timeline.
Adding another layer of complexity, authorities did not perform a necropsy on Zinna, the mixed-breed dog found dead in a kennel in a bathroom closet near Arakawa. The search warrant initially described the deceased dog as a "deceased brown in color German-Shepard canine." This further underscores the initial misidentification.
The Oscar-winning actor and his wife tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Mendoza believes Hackman likely died approximately nine days before his body was discovered.
The New Mexico Gas Company conducted an extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide on February 26 and reported "no significant findings" at the couple’s secluded home, according to a press release obtained by Fox News Digital on Tuesday. This eliminates one potential cause of death.
Detectives recovered two cellphones, two different prescriptions, and a 2025 planner while inspecting the residence, according to the search warrant inventory list obtained by Fox News Digital. These items could potentially provide insights into the couple’s routines, health conditions, and state of mind leading up to their deaths.
While detectives have described the circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths as "suspicious," officials have confirmed that there was no visible external trauma on either body. The case remains open, pending the results of autopsies and toxicology reports, which are crucial in determining the cause and manner of death.
The Hollywood community has mourned the loss of Gene Hackman, with actors Antonio Banderas, Gary Sinise, and director Francis Ford Coppola among those sharing tributes to the legendary actor. His passing marks the end of an era for many in the film industry.
The investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa remains ongoing. The initial misidentification of the deceased dog serves as a reminder of the importance of meticulous attention to detail in complex investigations. As authorities await the autopsy and toxicology results, the search for answers continues, leaving many questions unanswered in this unsettling case. The information gleaned from the surviving dogs, the recovered personal items, and the ongoing forensic analysis will undoubtedly play a crucial role in unraveling the mystery surrounding the deaths of the beloved actor and his wife.
