Police Admit to Misidentifying Dog in Gene Hackman and Wife’s Mysterious Deaths
Police investigating the mysterious deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have admitted to misidentifying the dog found deceased with them in their home.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, were found dead in separate rooms inside their $3.8 million Santa Fe home by a caretaker around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday.
Initially, authorities reported that the couple’s German Shepherd, Bear, was found dead in its kennel inside the home. However, it was later revealed that Bear was actually alive and staying at a pet daycare in Santa Fe alongside their other dog, Nikita, a seven-year-old Akita-Shepherd mix.
The dog found dead in the home was actually Zinna, their 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, according to family friend Sherry Gaber, an animal chiropractor.
Friend Shocked by Dog Mix-Up
Gaber was already stunned by the news of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, but the initial report about Bear left her confused.
“I can’t handle that image,” she said. “That’s why this whole thing is so distressing. It just doesn’t add up.”
She recalled adjusting Bear’s spine just five months prior, saying the dog was “happy and healthy.”
How Did Police Misidentify the Dog?
It’s still unclear how authorities misidentified the deceased dog. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Denise Womack-Avila admitted she was unaware of the mix-up, adding:
“Our deputies do not deal with canines on a daily basis, and I cannot currently speak to the condition or state of the dog’s body upon discovery.”
Despite the confusion, Gaber said she was relieved Bear was alive but called the entire situation tragic.
“My body’s just shaking right now,” she said.
The Mystery Surrounding Their Deaths
Hackman was found dead in the mudroom, while Arakawa’s lifeless body was discovered in a bathroom near the front door.
Two days later, police announced that they believe Hackman died on February 17, the same day his pacemaker stopped recording his heartbeat.
Investigators have found no signs of foul play but are treating the case as potentially suspicious.
The mystery surrounding their deaths has captured international attention, with many questioning how they went unnoticed for so long.
Private Life in a Gated Community
Hackman and Arakawa lived a reclusive life in a gated private community five miles outside Santa Fe.
Neighbors told The New York Times that despite living near the couple for years, they rarely, if ever, saw them.
“They have a gate, and we have a gate, and we’ve just never even seen each other,” said James Everett, a part-time resident who lived next door for five years.
Another neighbor, Bud Hamilton, said he and his wife only had dinner with the couple once in 20 years.
What Investigators Have Found So Far
A prescription bottle surrounded by pills was discovered in the home, along with three medications:
• Diltiazem (a blood pressure medication)
• A thyroid medication
• Tylenol
Santa Fe Sheriff Adam Mendoza called the prescription bottle “a concern”, saying it has been sent to the medical examiner’s office for analysis.
“We’re hoping [the report] comes sooner rather than later so we can answer some of these questions,” Mendoza said.
Toxicology results could take months to confirm whether medications played a role in their deaths.
Foul Play Ruled Out—But Questions Remain
Although the front door was found ajar, police have not found signs of forced entry. Sheriff Mendoza stated:
“I’m pretty confident there is no foul play based on the lack of evidence.
However, we are not ruling it out completely.”
Investigators initially considered a gas leak as a possible cause, but Santa Fe Fire Department Chief Brian Moya confirmed that no traces of deadly gas were found in the couple’s bodies.
A Love for Dogs and a Lasting Legacy
Friends described Hackman and Arakawa as dedicated animal lovers who treated their dogs like family.
“Gene was what I would call a confirmed German Shepherd aficionado. I could not imagine him without a Shepherd,” said Steff Smith, founder of the Southwest German Shepherd Society in Phoenix, Arizona.
She also recalled a touching moment when Hackman shed tears while adopting his first dog from their organization.
As investigators continue to piece together the mystery of their deaths, those who knew the couple remember them not only for their private lifestyle but also for their deep love for their pets.
The official cause of death remains unknown, and the case is still under investigation.
