Disturbing new evidence has emerged about the final days of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa at their Santa Fe residence.

According to Daily Mail, recently released police photos show the devastating circumstances surrounding their beloved pet dog Zinna's death, who was found trapped in a crate after the couple's passing.

Pictures released by the Santa Fe Sheriff's Department reveal the heart-wrenching scene where the couple's kelpie mix remained confined in a bathroom cage until her death. The 12-year-old dog had been placed in the crate following a veterinary visit but became trapped after Arakawa's unexpected death, while Hackman, suffering from Alzheimer's disease, was likely unaware of the situation.

Deteriorating conditions inside multimillion-dollar home

The newly disclosed images paint a troubling picture of the couple's living conditions in their $4 million mansion. Piles of accumulated clothing spanning decades filled various rooms, while dog beds, medication packets, and miscellaneous items littered the floors throughout the property.

A dressing room overflowed with stacks of shirts, jeans, dresses, and shoe boxes, creating hazardous conditions that contributed to the tragic circumstances.

Police bodycam footage captured a particularly poignant moment showing one of the couple's surviving dogs maintaining a vigil near Arakawa's body. The scene was made more devastating by the surrounding clutter and deteriorating living conditions that raised serious questions about Arakawa's ability to serve as Hackman's primary caregiver.

The investigation revealed concerning details about the home's state, including the presence of rodents that ultimately contributed to Arakawa's death from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The New Mexico Department of Public Health confirmed the property had become a breeding ground for rats, which spread the fatal virus.

Final days marked by isolation and decline

Handwritten notes discovered throughout the house documented the couple's continued affection for each other despite their declining circumstances. These touching messages stood in stark contrast to the challenging conditions they faced in their final days.

The couple's bodies were found on February 26 by a security guard, with medical examiners determining that Arakawa died around February 12 from hantavirus complications. Hackman succumbed to severe heart disease, complicated by Alzheimer's and kidney problems, approximately six days later on February 18.

Their notoriously private lifestyle may have contributed to the delayed discovery of their deaths, as the couple maintained minimal contact with the outside world. The isolation ultimately had devastating consequences for their beloved pets as well.

Legal battle over death investigation details

The release of these materials followed an unsuccessful attempt by the Hackman family to keep death investigation documents and images private. A court ruling determined that most materials were public record, leading to the disclosure of bodycam footage and other evidence.

The tragic circumstances have sparked discussions about elder care and the challenges of managing declining health while maintaining privacy. The case highlights particular concerns about the supervision of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

Public reaction to the revelations has focused heavily on the fate of the couple's pets, with many expressing distress over Zinna's suffering. The two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, have since been rehomed.