Gene Hackman’s dog was loyal till the end, doing more than just grieving. As emergency responders investigated his home, the loyal pet led them to a terrible discovery. First responders in Santa Fe made a surprising discovery at Gene Hackman’s home after one of his dogs continuously guided them there. Following a request for assistance, the Santa Fe Fire Department and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office went to the site.
When paramedics arrived, they opened the front door and discovered a woman, later identified as Betsy Arakawa, lying on the bathroom floor. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya reported that lady seemed to be deceased, causing the paramedics to return outside and ask for assistance, as is customary procedure. Shortly after, sheriff’s deputies came to assist paramedics and three extra firefighters in conducting a comprehensive inspection of the home.
Arakawa’s body revealed obvious symptoms of decomposition, and a bottle of prescription thyroid medication, along with stray tablets, was discovered on the bathroom countertop. As the search progressed, first responders searched all rooms, closets, and corridors for additional individuals or evidence of foul activity. Thirty minutes had gone with no additional discoveries. However, one of the couple’s dogs approached the responders many times, barking and fleeing away before returning.
They initially thought the dog was trying to play. “They recognized (the dog) was attempting to communicate, ‘Hey, come over here! “Come over here!” Chief Moya explained. Following the dog’s persistent cues, first responders were directed to a mudroom near the kitchen. There, they discovered Hackman’s body on the floor. His sunglasses and cane were close, and his hands exhibited symptoms of decay.
A back door had been propped open, allowing the couple’s pets to enter and exit the house freely. The timing that led to the discovery of Hackman and Arakawa raises various problems. Surveillance footage saw Arakawa entering a pharmacy on February 11, the last known day she was alive. She conducted errands that day, such as grocery shopping and writing an email.
However, she missed one stop. Arakawa had ordered prescription dog food and medication for one of her three dogs (Zinna, Bear, and Nikita) from Gruda Veterinary Hospital. Despite being a passionate pet owner, she did not pick up the order. The veterinary team, who had known Arakawa for years, found this quite odd. The following week, after February 17, they sought to contact her to remind her of the injunction, but their calls went unanswered.
“She was devoted to those dogs,” Robert Gruda, the hospital’s owner, explained. “She was consistent and predictable. We realized something was awry when she failed to pick up the dinner on time.” Arakawa had been a long-time client of Gruda Veterinary Hospital, where she was known for her attention to her pets’ welfare. She regularly brought them in for checks and treatments, developing a close relationship with the staff.