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Judge to Review Request to Seal Records in Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Death Investigation
SANTA FE, NM – A legal request to prevent the release of investigative records concerning the deaths of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, is currently under judicial review. Judge Matthew Wilson in Santa Fe is presiding over the matter, considering arguments to block public access to materials related to the death investigation.
Estate Seeks to Protect Family Privacy; Hearing Scheduled
A hearing is scheduled for Monday where Julia Peters, representing the Hackman estate, will advocate for sealing the records. The estate’s objective is to safeguard the family’s privacy during this sensitive time. The documents in question encompass photographs, video footage, and various reports associated with the inquiry into the couple’s deaths. A temporary restraining order is currently in effect, preventing the release of these records until the court hearing.
Discovery at Santa Fe Residence
The bodies of Gene Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered at their Santa Fe home on February 26. Maintenance and security personnel, conducting routine property checks, made the discovery and promptly alerted law enforcement upon entering the residence.
Causes of Death Confirmed
Authorities later confirmed the causes of death for both individuals. Hackman’s death was attributed to heart disease, exacerbated by complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away approximately one week after his wife. Due to the advanced stage of his Alzheimer’s, it is believed Hackman may have been unaware of Arakawa’s passing.
Arakawa’s death was determined to be a result of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but severe illness transmitted by rodents.
Legal Framework and Privacy Concerns
New Mexico’s open records regulations place limitations on public access to certain sensitive materials. This includes images depicting deceased individuals, recognizing the potential distress such visuals can cause.
Furthermore, the state’s Inspection of Public Records Act exempts some medical information from public disclosure. Legal experts have commented on the potentially disturbing nature of investigation-related photos and videos. Concerns have been raised regarding the media’s potential dissemination of such content, ironically in efforts to prevent wider public release.
The Hackman estate has initiated legal action in addition to seeking to seal records, aiming to prevent the Office of the Medical Investigator from releasing autopsy reports and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office from releasing death investigation reports.
Public Records and Investigation Details
Under state law, death investigation materials compiled by law enforcement and autopsy reports from medical examiners are generally considered public records. This principle is now being challenged by the estate’s request for privacy.
Pet Found at the Scene
Adding a poignant detail to the circumstances, one of the couple’s three dogs, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was found deceased inside a crate in a bathroom closet near Arakawa. The couple’s other two dogs were found alive.
Couple’s Value of Privacy Highlighted
The formal request to seal the records emphasizes the couple’s deep commitment to privacy. It notes they “placed a significant value on their privacy and took affirmative vigilant steps” to protect it throughout their lives, particularly after relocating to Santa Fe and Gene Hackman’s retirement from public life.