Investigation Continues into the Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife, Betsy Arakawa: Dog Trainer Provides Insights

The investigation into the mysterious deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, continues in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with authorities meticulously piecing together a timeline of events leading up to their discovery on February 26th. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department has deemed the deaths “suspicious,” sparking a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the couple’s passing. While the official cause of death remains undisclosed, investigators have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a factor.

Adding another layer of complexity to the case, one of the couple’s three beloved dogs, a 12-year-old mixed breed named Zinfandel, affectionately known as Zinna, was also found deceased at the scene. The deaths have left the Santa Fe community in shock, particularly those who knew the couple’s love for animals and their contributions to local charities.

In the wake of the tragic discovery, insights from Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails, the dog training and watching service utilized by Hackman and Arakawa for a decade, are shedding light on the couple’s life and the profound bond they shared with their canine companions.

Padilla described Arakawa as fiercely protective of her husband, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. "You know, after COVID, she was very particular about bringing people around Gene. So, she was super protective," Padilla told Fox News Digital. He noted that Arakawa handled most of the errands and daily tasks, always accompanied by her three dogs. "These dogs were attached to Betsy. Anytime Betsy had an errand to do, they went with her. These dogs loved going on a ride in the car with Betsy, and it didn’t matter if it was going to the store, even when we would go to dinner. We’d go to dinner and the dogs would be in the car. They were very much attached to Betsy," Padilla explained.

The deep connection between Arakawa and her dogs is a recurring theme in Padilla’s recollections. He emphasized the significance of the animals in their lives. "It’s hard to explain and encompass how much these dogs meant to these people," he stated.

Former homicide detective Ted Williams also weighed in, suggesting the protective nature of the dogs could have been a factor if an intruder had entered the home. "Heres what we know: That the Hackmans were very close to their three dogs, and if someone would have come in and there would have been some signs of foul play, I think those dogs would have done or acted in a defensive manner. There’s absolutely nothing in the investigation that says that these two individuals acted in a defensive manner of, lets say, attacking an intruder," Williams said.

Padilla refrained from speculating on the circumstances surrounding the deaths, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. However, he expressed unwavering conviction that Arakawa would never intentionally put her animals in harm’s way. "I want to reiterate there is nothing that Betsy wouldn’t do for those three dogs. In my opinion, there is no way that dog was up on purpose or without a purpose. There was a reason. It just breaks my heart about Zinna. Zinna would not leave Betsy’s side, they were attached to the hip. It was a pretty phenomenal connection," he said.

The two surviving dogs, German Shepherds named Bear, 4, and Nikita, 7, presented challenges during the rescue process. Padilla described the difficulty in safely retrieving Nikita. "She was really difficult. We were trying to get her, and I was using treats, because she was really hungry, so I was giving her treats. It was just too many people. Unfortunately, the animal services people had to utilize a trap, and we were able to trap her and I picked her up the next day," Padilla recounted.

Padilla also highlighted the couple’s generosity and commitment to animal welfare. "They donated a lot to the humane society. They would go above and beyond. For Santa Fe Tails, one thing that Betsy would do for Christmas, she would buy the entire staff a Christmas dinner. We’re open 365 days, and we have staff members that are here with the dogs, and she would get a banquet of food for the employees," he said. "They were so kind and generous."

The discovery of Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies has presented investigators with a unique challenge, as Sheriff Adan Mendoza explained. "One of the things is, in an investigation we try to piece the timeline together, usually before the event happens, and that gives us a lot of information. But in this case, it seems like we’re doing a reverse timeline. We’re doing a timeline from the time of death and the autopsy and the results. We’re going to start working our way backwards. We’re going to do both and then hopefully make a determination as to what may have happened to both of the individuals."

Arakawa was found in the bathroom of their home, lying on the floor with a space heater nearby. Hackman was found in the mudroom. Both exhibited what officers described as "obvious signs of death," indicating they had been deceased for a considerable period before their discovery.

The timeline leading up to the couple’s deaths remains unclear, largely due to their reclusive lifestyle. As the investigation progresses, authorities are meticulously examining all available evidence, including autopsy results, to determine the cause and manner of death. The community mourns the loss of the couple and eagerly awaits answers in this perplexing case.