Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy’s Dog Guarded Their Bodies After Suspicious Deaths, Police Bodycam Reveals

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As a dedicated follower reporting, I recently came across newly disclosed police bodycam footage from the tragic day Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were discovered deceased. This footage, released by TMZ on April 15, offers a chilling glimpse into their home in the Santa Fe Summit neighborhood. In this footage, officers can be seen entering the couple’s residence, where one of their dogs is seen standing guard quietly near Betsy’s lifeless body.

The video, slightly obscured, depicts police finding Betsy’s body close to a restroom, while one of their three German Shepherds, named Zinnia, was kept in a cage not far off.

Among the remaining canines, one was noticed resting peacefully by Betsy, exhibiting a sense of protection. “She’s watching over it,” an officer remarked, further commenting, “Seems quite affectionate.” Meanwhile, another officer responded to the noises of a different dog running and barking in other parts of the house.

Back in February 26th, I was utterly devastated to learn about the tragic passing of my beloved idol, Gene Hackman, along with his cherished wife Betsy Arakawa and their adored dog Zinnia, all discovered within their peaceful Santa Fe abode. The authorities later unveiled that Gene’s body was found in the home’s mudroom. Since 2004, this legendary actor had been relishing a tranquil life with his partner, away from the limelight following his retirement from acting.

On March 7th, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office verified that Betsy passed away due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a disease transmitted through rodent urine and droppings.

It was reported that Gene, who seemed to be the only one at home for several days following his wife’s passing, succumbed to severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer’s complications. On the other hand, according to Santa Fe County Animal Control, Zinnia died due to dehydration and lack of food.

The other two dogs belonging to the couple, named Nikita and Bear, were discovered wandering around the premises. Afterward, they were taken to a nearby pet care center where a close acquaintance looked after them.

The spokesperson for the Hackman family’s estate confirmed to PEOPLE that “Bear and Nikita, the family’s dogs, have found loving homes. Rest assured, they are well taken care of, healthy, and adapting nicely to their new living situations.

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy, have been together since 1991. Their latest appearance as a pair was at an unusual public event held in March 2024. This couple preferred to keep their lives quiet, residing in Santa Fe.

Gene leaves behind his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie, all of whom were born from his past marriage with Faye Maltese. A quiet, intimate memorial service took place in Santa Fe, where only close relatives gathered, according to PEOPLE’s report.

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2025-04-16 11:23