A shocking discovery of misidentified evidence adds another layer of mystery to the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife in their New Mexico home.
According to Daily Mail, law enforcement officials have admitted to incorrectly identifying the deceased dog found alongside the bodies of Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, in their $3.8 million Santa Fe residence.
The couple's bodies were discovered by a caretaker around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, with Hackman's remains found in the mudroom while Arakawa's body was located in the bathroom near the front door. Police investigators initially reported finding their German Shepherd named Bear dead in its kennel, but this crucial detail has now been proven incorrect.
Confusion over deceased pet raises questions
The German Shepherd Bear and another dog, Nikita, were actually alive and well at a local pet daycare facility called Santa Fe Tails. The deceased animal was identified as Zinna, the couple's 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mixed breed.
Sherry Gaber, an animal chiropractor and friend of the couple, expressed distress over the misidentification. She had treated Bear just five months before the incident and found the initial reports particularly disturbing.
Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Denise Womack-Avila addressed the error, explaining that deputies don't regularly handle canine-related cases. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances of the deaths.
Medication and timeline under investigation
Investigators discovered prescription medications at the scene, including blood pressure medication Diltiazem, thyroid medication, and Tylenol. These items were found scattered on a countertop in the actor's home.
Sheriff Adam Mendoza told Today Show viewers that the prescription bottles are "something of concern." The medications have been transferred to the medical examiner's office for analysis as part of the death investigation.
Based on Hackman's pacemaker data, authorities believe he died on February 17, though the bodies weren't discovered until days later. Toxicology results could take months to process.
Privacy concerns in gated community
The couple's secluded lifestyle in their gated community has emerged as a significant aspect of the investigation. Neighbors reported minimal interaction with the famous residents over the years.
Bud Hamilton, who lived next door for about two decades, shared that he and his wife only dined with the couple once during that entire period. Another neighbor, James Everett, noted the physical barriers between properties prevented any regular contact.
Harvey Chalker, former president of the homeowner's association, described Hackman's preference for privacy, saying the actor deliberately maintained a low profile in the community. As Chalker put it: "He wanted to be quiet, he didn't want to be bothered, and I don't blame him."
Murder investigation takes unexpected turn
The investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa continues as authorities work to uncover what happened in their Santa Fe home. While police found their bodies in separate rooms of their $3.8 million residence, questions remain about the circumstances leading to their deaths.
The discovery of scattered medications, the timing indicated by Hackman's pacemaker, and the misidentification of their deceased pet have complicated the investigation. As officials await toxicology results and continue gathering evidence, the truth behind this Hollywood legend's final chapter remains uncertain.
