SANTA FE, N.M. — A New Mexico court is currently deliberating on the potential sealing of records related to the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, following a request from their estate.
Judge Matthew Wilson held a hearing recently to assess a request from estate representative Julia Peters aiming to protect the family’s right to privacy by sealing photographs, videos, and documents associated with the case. A temporary hold on the release of these records is in place while the court deliberates.
The remains of Hackman and Arakawa were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26 after maintenance workers notified authorities. Hackman, 95, passed away from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s a week after his wife’s death, which was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents.
Under New Mexico’s open records law, access to sensitive images, particularly those depicting deceased individuals, is restricted. Additionally, certain medical information is not recognized as public record under the state Inspection of Public Records Act.
Peters highlighted the disturbing potential of the evidence in the investigation, emphasizing the risks tied to its media dissemination, as part of the effort to prevent its release.
The Hackman estate’s legal action also seeks to restrict the publication of autopsy reports from the Office of the Medical Investigator and investigation records from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. While death investigations and autopsy reports are generally public records intended to promote transparency, privacy concerns are at the forefront in this case.
Authorities previously outlined their findings regarding the couple’s deaths during a March 7 news conference, although most related documents and images were not made public.
The couple’s three dogs were involved in the incident, with one dog found deceased and two others surviving the tragedy.
The estate’s written request emphasizes that Hackman and Arakawa valued their privacy and took measures to protect it throughout their lives, particularly after relocating to Santa Fe, which is a haven for artists and celebrities.
Hackman, who has three children from a previous marriage, had signed an updated will in 2005, bequeathing his estate to Arakawa, who had no children. Following their deaths, estate management falls to Peters, with a request currently pending to appoint a trustee for two trusts linked to their estate.
The lack of public trust documents leaves questions regarding beneficiaries and asset distribution unanswered. Legal experts in estate planning suggest that more information may emerge if disputes arise over estate assets, though such proceedings may also be subject to requests for confidentiality.
