Police Admit Crime Scene Error in Gene Hackman and Wife’s Death Investigation

Authorities investigating the deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, have acknowledged a significant error in their initial crime scene assessment. The couple was found deceased at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26th, and while their deaths were initially not deemed suspicious, the investigation has since taken a turn.

A key mistake involved the identification of the couple’s deceased dog. Initially, police reports indicated the dog was a German Shepherd, leading to confusion among those close to the couple who believed it was their dog, Bear. However, it has now been confirmed that the deceased dog was Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix. Bear and another dog, Nikita, are now safe at a local animal shelter.  

Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Denise Womack-Avila suggested the misidentification may have occurred due to deputies’ limited experience with canine breeds, especially given the condition of the dog’s body at the time of discovery. This corrected information aligns with a search warrant that mentioned a “deceased brown German-Shepard (sic) canine.”

The investigation into the couple’s deaths continues, with authorities now considering the circumstances “suspicious enough” for a thorough examination. The couple’s bodies were found partially mummified in separate rooms, with Arakawa’s body located in the bathroom alongside various pills. Hackman was found in the mudroom with his sunglasses and walking cane. The cause of their deaths remains under investigation.

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