A New Mexico court issued a temporary restraining order on Monday to prevent the release of specific records connected to the investigation of the recent deaths of renowned actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. This order follows a request from Julia Peters, a representative for the couple’s estate, who filed a motion last week asserting the need to protect the family’s right to privacy amidst their grief, referencing the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Peters highlighted the potentially distressing nature of the photographs and videos involved in the investigation, expressing concerns over their possible media exposure. In a tragic turn of events, the couple was discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home in late February. Authorities reported that Hackman succumbed to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s, merely a week after his wife lost her battle with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents.
The motion to seal the investigation records touched upon Hackman and Arakawa’s private lifestyle in Santa Fe, particularly since the actor’s retirement. A court hearing has been scheduled for later this month to discuss the merits of Peters’ request.
New Mexico’s open records law typically enables public access to many death investigation documents and autopsy reports to promote governmental transparency. However, sensitive images, especially those depicting deceased individuals, are generally exempt from public release. It is also noted that certain medical information is protected under the Inspection of Public Records Act in the state.
The restraining order specifically prohibits the release of any photographs or videos showing the couple’s remains or the interior of their residence, which includes footage from the body cameras of responding sheriff’s deputies as well as records from the state Office of the Medical Investigator.
This order aims to shield the family’s dignity during an undoubtedly painful period, and the implications of media coverage on their privacy have prompted the court’s intervention. Santa Fe, known for being a sanctuary for artists and celebrities, remains in the spotlight as details surrounding the couple’s deaths and the investigation continue to unfold.