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Harrowing Body Cam Footage Reveals Dog Watching Over Betsy Arakawa in Santa Fe Home
Disturbing body camera footage from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department has surfaced, revealing the tragic scene inside the Santa Fe residence of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, where their devoted dog remained vigilantly by Arakawa’s lifeless body as authorities investigated the couple’s secluded and cluttered home.
Police Discover Arakawa and Hackman’s Bodies
The released 11-minute police bodycam video, made public on Tuesday, documents deputies navigating through the bathroom where Arakawa’s body was discovered. In a heartbreaking detail, the couple’s German Shepherd was found just five feet from Arakawa, intently watching over her motionless form.
“Poor guy, he’s sad,” an investigator is heard remarking about the dog’s poignant behavior.
While officials blurred Arakawa’s body in the video, it clearly displays medication bottles and toiletries on the bathroom countertop. Further investigation within a spacious walk-in closet revealed a pet crate containing the remains of another deceased dog.
Throughout the sprawling $4 million estate, various rooms were cluttered with piles of clothing, documents, and assorted items. Deputies proceeded to another section of the home where Hackman’s body was located.
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“It looks like he was trying to go outside,” a deputy noted upon finding Hackman’s body in the mudroom area.
The remains of the reclusive couple were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26
Details from Investigator’s Report
According to an investigator’s report, Hackman’s remains showed signs of decomposition. “I observed the male’s extremities to be red and purple in color, the male appeared to be stiff, and his mouth was open,” the report detailed. “I also observed a pair of black sunglasses to the left of the male on the ground. To the right of the male, I observed a black walking cane. It appeared as if the male suddenly collapsed.”
The 95-year-old acclaimed actor, Gene Hackman, and his 65-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased on February 26 at their New Mexico home. Security personnel, after spotting their bodies through a window, promptly alerted authorities to the grim discovery at the Santa Fe residence.
Initial assessments considered carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause of death, but this was subsequently ruled out by investigators.
Cause of Deaths Revealed
It was determined that Hackman passed away several days later, on February 18, due to severe heart disease, complicated by Alzheimer’s and kidney disease. Investigators suggest that Hackman’s significant health issues may have prevented him from realizing Arakawa had already died.
Medical examiners concluded that Arakawa’s death was caused by hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness contracted from the hantavirus, which spreads through rodent waste. A report obtained by DailyMail.com indicated a rodent infestation on the property.
While the main house was reportedly clean, rodent feces were found in the property’s three garages and two casitas. Investigators also noted that rodents had access to the three sheds on the premises.
Arakawa’s Health Concerns Before Death
Records show that Arakawa’s computer activity on February 8 and February 12 included open bookmarks related to medical conditions associated with COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms, as indicated in a report obtained by DailyMail.com.
Gene Hackman’s 1995 will designated Arakawa as his sole inheritor
Her searches included inquiries about whether COVID could induce dizziness or nosebleeds, suggesting growing anxieties about her presenting symptoms in the days leading up to her death. In an email to her masseuse, she mentioned Hackman displaying flu or cold-like symptoms on February 11, although a COVID test was negative. Arakawa also postponed her appointment scheduled for the following day as a precaution.
Friends described Betsy Arakawa as devoted to her three dogs
Estate and Memorial Details
Hackman’s 1995 will named Arakawa as his sole beneficiary. Conversely, Arakawa’s will specified that if both spouses died within 90 days of each other, the estate proceeds would be donated to charity.
Gene Hackman retired from acting after the 2004 film “Welcome to Mooseport” and maintained a low public profile for the last two decades of his life. The couple was recently interred in Santa Fe, according to People magazine.
The private memorial service was attended by Hackman’s three children—son Christopher and daughters Elizabeth and Leslie, as reported by the outlet.
Hackman’s daughters informed investigators about their father’s “memory issues,” mentioning that they had to remind him multiple times it was his birthday during their last conversation the previous year.
“While they had not heard of any rodent issues, they did observe mouse traps around the home,” the investigator’s report stated. “They noted that Gene and Betsy were intensely private and did not permit maids or cleaning staff inside their residence.”