Bodycam Footage Shows Conversation Between a Police Officer & Gene Hackman’s Daughter After His Death

Newly released police footage sheds light on vulnerable moments following the discovery of Gene Hackman and his wife’s bodies through a deeply personal call between police and his daughter about her final wish.

Bodycam footage from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office captures a phone conversation between a deputy and Gene Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Hackman, following the discovery of the actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s bodies.

In the call, released on March 21, she instructs officers to have her father’s dog cremated at the county’s animal shelter and buried with Betsy. Elizabeth also asks the officers to save the dog’s collar for her, if it was still on.

The footage of Gene Hackman’s daughter provides a glimpse into the immediate aftermath of the double loss and highlights the family’s effort to honor the bond between the couple and their pet.

An examination of the couple’s dog, Zinna — who was found dead alongside the actor and his wife — revealed that dehydration and starvation were likely the cause of death.

According to a veterinary lab report obtained by the state’s Department of Agriculture, the kelpie mix showed signs of partial mummification.

While severe decomposition made it difficult to fully evaluate the internal organs, the report found no evidence of trauma, poisoning, or infectious disease. The dog’s stomach was nearly empty, containing only small traces of hair and bile.

Zinna was one of three dogs owned by the couple. She was discovered inside a crate in a bathroom closet, near Betsy’s body. The other two dogs were found alive.

As we previously reported, authorities responded to a distressing 911 call after a caretaker stumbled upon an unresponsive Gene and Betsy inside their home. The caller, audibly shaken, hesitated before stating they had possibly found two bodies.

While the dispatcher urgently dispatched paramedics, the caretaker could be heard sniffling and repeatedly saying, “Damn.” When asked about the individuals inside, they struggled to provide details, uncertain of their ages or genders.

The caller remained outside, unable to enter, only able to see through a window that neither Gene nor Betsy appeared to be moving. “No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick,” the caretaker told the dispatcher.

Law enforcement arrived shortly after to confirm the devastating news. The community mourned the loss of the beloved actor and his wife as investigations continued.

Initial findings from preliminary autopsies showed no external trauma to either individual, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities initially said the cause of death remained undetermined and toxicology tests were requested. While foul play was not suspected, officials did not rule it out entirely.

“The circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals [are considered] to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” a sheriff’s deputy said in the affidavit for a search warrant.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated, “There was no obvious sign or indication of foul play,” adding that there was no evidence of a struggle or missing items either.

However, the couple had been deceased for quite some time before they were found. “The autopsy is going to be key, and the toxicology,” the sheriff said, emphasizing that investigators are proceeding cautiously to ensure accuracy in their findings.

Scattered pills were found near Betsy, who was discovered lying on the bathroom floor next to an open bottle of prescription medication and a space heater.

Gene’s body was located in another room near the kitchen, with the affidavit noting that the deputy suspected he had “suddenly fallen.” Two other healthy dogs were found elsewhere on the property.

The home’s front door was open and unsecured, but there were no signs of forced entry or theft. Elizabeth told reporters that the family suspected toxic fumes may have played a role in her father and his wife’s deaths.

However, authorities found no immediate evidence of a carbon monoxide or natural gas leak. The search warrant allowed investigators to examine combustible materials, controlled substances, weapons, DNA, and any other potential evidence, though it was unclear what, if anything, was seized.

In a statement, the iconic actor’s daughters and granddaughter shared their heartbreak, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.”

“He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely,” the statement continued. As Hollywood mourned, tributes poured in from fellow celebrities and fans.

Director Francis Ford Coppola, who collaborated with Gene on “The Conversation,” posted, “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”

Award-winning actress Valerie Perrine, who starred alongside Gene in “Superman,” wrote on X in part, “The great Gene Hackman has passed away. He was a genius & 1 of the greatest to grace the silver screen.”

The BAFTAs also honored Gene, sharing, “We are saddened to hear that the much-celebrated actor Gene Hackman has died aged 95. Hackman’s illustrious career spanned over six decades and earned him BAFTA wins for his work in Unforgiven, The French Connection, and The Poseidon Adventure.”

Shortly after the actor’s death on February 26, his nephew, Tim Hackman, revealed that the family had originally planned for Betsy to handle his funeral arrangements, given their 31-year age gap. At the time of their passing, Betsy was 63, and Gene was 95.

As reported by The Daily Mail, Tim, 51, explained, “So the preparedness of it was that he would go first and that we would probably, maybe, depending on whatever it was [Betsy] had set up, would go down there and pay our condolences and everything.”

With Gene and Betsy passing unexpectedly, those plans were upended. “Now with this, it significantly changes things. I have no idea what — I’m assuming one of his kids will probably take over — and [plan]. I don’t know. It’s still very, very early,” Tim said.

He also revealed that the family first learned of the couple’s deaths through Gene’s other daughter, Leslie Hackman, who had been in the closest contact with them. The news reached them just before it became public.

The news was shocking, as the family was unaware of any major health concerns. “I mean, he was old. I’m sure he had some [health] concerns, but nothing that was shared,” Tim said.

Tim last saw his uncle 11 years ago at his father Richard Hackman’s funeral. Richard was Gene’s brother, who had worked as his stuntman. Despite the time apart, Tim emphasized that Gene was not estranged from the family.

Instead, Gene preferred a quiet life and rarely traveled. “He only came to California during the warm weathers, and then he just stayed in New Mexico,” Tim added.

Most of Tim’s communication with Gene was through Betsy, as Gene had reached an age where he was not very communicative with the family.

“I was just basically giving her updates on my kids and how they were doing and how I was doing because our major connection was the military background, but that was it really,” Tim said.

Tim described Betsy as Gene’s primary caregiver, crediting her with helping him live as long as he did. “She’d just always say, ‘Oh, [Gene’s] doing good.’ I mean, he was moving around a lot for 95,” he recalled.

The medical examiner’s office stated that final toxicology and autopsy results could take four to six weeks. “We want to make sure that we get the investigation completed properly. And we want to release the proper information,” Sheriff Adan said.