Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told NBC's “Today” show that investigators were trying to sort out conflicting stories about the doors. He said several doors were unlocked and a rear door was open, which allowed two dogs that survived to go in and out. He also said he thinks the front door was closed but unlocked.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office initially indicated "foul play was not a factor," but investigators quickly reversed that statement, calling the deaths "suspicious" amid an ongoing investigation.