Protective Bond: Gene Hackman’s Late Wife Betsy Arakawa and Their Canine Companions

SANTA FE, N.M. — Gene Hackman’s late wife, Betsy Arakawa, displayed an unwavering protective instinct towards her husband and their beloved dogs, as shared by Joey Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails, who trained the couple’s pet dogs.

According to Padilla, Arakawa took special care in evaluating who could spend time with her husband following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He remarked, “After COVID, she was very particular about bringing people around Gene. So, she was super protective.” Such attentiveness highlighted not only her love for Hackman but also her commitment to their family pets.

Arakawa managed the couple’s errands with their three dogs often accompanying her, whether on a trip to the store or dining out. Padilla noted, “These dogs were attached to Betsy. Anytime Betsy had an errand to do, they went with her. They loved going on rides in the car with her, regardless of the destination.” This clear bond further illustrated the dog’s deep connection with Arakawa, who was devoted to her animals.

The Deep Connection with Their Pets

Padilla shared that he had worked with Hackman and Arakawa for about ten years, training and watching over their dogs. He expressed sorrow at not having seen Arakawa in over a month, explaining the profound impact the couple’s pets had on them. Padilla stated, “It’s hard to explain how much these dogs meant to these people.”

Ted Williams, a former homicide detective, further commented on the bond between the Hackmans and their dogs. He indicated that had there been any threats to their home, their pets would likely have reacted defensively. “The Hackmans were very close to their three dogs. If someone had entered their home or shown any signs of foul play, those dogs would have acted protectively,” Williams asserted.

However, Williams clarified that there is no evidence suggesting the couple engaged in any defensive actions against an intruder, urging the need for a thorough investigation.

Unraveling the Mystery

Padilla expressed reluctance to speculate on the circumstances leading to the couple’s deaths, as investigations are still ongoing. He did, however, affirm that Arakawa would never put her animals in harm’s way, stating, “There is no way that dog was up on purpose or without a purpose. There was a reason. It just breaks my heart about Zinna.” He reflected on the bond between Arakawa and their dog, Zinna, indicating they were inseparable.

The couple’s three dogs included Zinna, a 12-year-old mixed breed that passed away, and two German Shepherds named Bear, aged four, and Nikita, aged seven.

During the interview, Padilla described the difficulties involved in rescuing Nikita, who proved to be particularly challenging. “She was really difficult to catch. I was using treats because she was really hungry, but the commotion from too many people made it tough. Ultimately, animal services resorted to a trap, and I was able to bring her home the next day,” he explained.

A Legacy of Community Kindness

Padilla emphasized that Hackman and Arakawa were not only animal lovers but also generous patrons of the community. They frequently donated to local humane societies, reflecting their compassionate nature. Padilla recalled, “For Christmas, Betsy would buy the entire staff at Santa Fe Tails a dinner. We are open all year round, and she went out of her way to show appreciation to team members who cared for the dogs.”

Such gestures displayed their kindness and deep-seated love for animals, further highlighting the tragic nature of their untimely deaths.

Investigative Developments in The Couple’s Deaths

Almost a week after Hackman and Arakawa died within their home in Santa Fe, authorities continue to seek answers regarding the mysterious circumstances surrounding their deaths. Initial investigations revealed no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, complicating the search for answers.

On February 26, Hackman, aged 95, and Arakawa, aged 65, along with one of their dogs, were discovered deceased in their home. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department labeled the situation as suspicious, prompting an in-depth investigation. It is believed that both Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for over a week before their bodies were found.

Arakawa was found unresponsive in their home’s bathroom, with signs indicating she had been deceased for some time, including significant mummification. Hackman was discovered in the couple’s mudroom, appearing to have fallen unexpectedly. According to the search warrant affidavit, he was found with a cane in his possession and a pair of sunglasses nearby.

Piecing Together a Timeline

The exact timeline leading to the couple’s tragic deaths remains unclear, further complicating the investigation into their reclusive lives. Sheriff Adan Mendoza explained during a recent press conference that the investigative team is working backward to create an accurate timeline of events leading to their death, rather than piecing it together in a traditional manner.

Mendoza stated, “In typical investigations, we explore the timeline chronologically before the event. In this case, we appear to be gathering information in reverse, starting from the time of death and working our way backward to create clarity.”

As investigators delve deeper into the couple’s last days, they remain committed to unraveling the mystery surrounding their demise while honoring the profound bond that Hackman and Arakawa shared, as well as their love for their cherished dogs.