Gene Hackman's death case update: Investigators misidentified dead dog
What's the story
In the latest development in the investigation into the mysterious deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, a new twist has emerged. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office reportedly misidentified the couple's dog found dead at their residence. Initial reports described a "deceased brown in color German-Shepard canine," leading to speculation that it was their German shepherd, Bear. However, USA Today on Monday (local time) reported otherwise.
Dog's health
Hackman's German shepherd was found alive and well
Contrary to initial reports, Bear was actually found alive and healthy at a local pet daycare facility, Santa Fe Tails. Joey Padilla, the owner of the facility, confirmed this to USA Today. Bear and Nikita—a seven-year-old Akita-shepherd mix owned by the couple—were both found at the daycare center. This revelation only added to the confusion about the identity of the dead dog found at Hackman and Arakawa's home.
Dog's identity
Deceased dog identified as Zinna, not Bear
The deceased dog was later identified as Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mixed breed. Zinna was reportedly trained in agility skills with hopes of competing in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show one day. Her body was discovered in a closed crate within the couple's multi-million dollar estate. A spokesman for the sheriff's office said Zinna was found in a kennel near Arakawa, but no necropsy had been performed on her.
Official statement
Sheriff's office spokesperson commented on dog's misidentification
When contacted regarding the mix-up, SFCSO spokeswoman Denise Womack-Avila said she was unaware of the case. She told the portal, "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." This misidentification adds another layer of complexity to the already puzzling case surrounding Hackman and Arakawa's deaths.
Ongoing investigation
Hackman and Arakawa's deaths remain a mystery
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, were discovered dead in different rooms of their shared home on February 26. The last recorded event on Hackman's pacemaker was on February 17. Initially suspected to be carbon monoxide poisoning, tests later ruled out the possibility. A subsequent inspection by the utility company revealed a minor gas leak from a stove burner, which was deemed non-lethal. The cause of their deaths remains undetermined, with investigations ongoing.