SANTA FE, N.M. – An error in the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has come to light, as authorities mistakenly identified a deceased dog involved in the case. According to a pet care specialist, the couple’s German shepherd, Bear, survived along with another dog named Nikita. Tragically, their kelpie mix, Zinna, passed away.
Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care facility overseeing the surviving dogs’ care, expressed the deep bond between Zinna and Betsy. Zinna, once a shelter dog, blossomed into an essential companion under Betsy’s care. The news of the misidentification of the deceased dog sheds new light on the mysterious deaths of Hackman and Arakawa, whose bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26.
Authorities, striving to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths, revealed that the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were possibly undiscovered for up to two weeks. The absence of a necropsy on Zinna, found in a kennel near Arakawa, raised questions regarding the investigation’s accuracy. Initially described as a “deceased brown in color German-Shepard canine,” the dog’s true identity was later corrected.
The discovery of an open prescription bottle and pills near Arakawa’s body and the absence of carbon monoxide in both bodies prompted further investigation. Despite initial concerns, a thorough inspection by utility companies unveiled only a minor gas leak from a stove burner in the home. With toxicology reports still pending, medical investigators continue to piece together the events leading to the tragedy at the residence.
As the case unfolds, unanswered questions linger, leaving a community in shock and mourning. The heartbreaking mix-up surrounding the deceased dog adds another layer of complexity to an already perplexing situation. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the tragic deaths of Hackman and Arakawa.