Court blocks release of autopsy reports, photos in deaths of Gene Hackman, wife

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - A judge in Santa Fe County has temporarily blocked authorities from releasing autopsy records, death investigation reports and sensitive photographs related to the recent deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa who were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26.

Gene Hackman, 95, an Oscar-winning actor known for iconic roles in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 67, were found deceased last month, but authorities have released limited details about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The restraining order temporarily prevents the University of New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office from publicly releasing autopsy records, death investigation reports and photographs involving the Hackmans and a deceased dog found at their property.

The order followed a petition filed by Julia Peters, personal representative for the Hackman estate, arguing that public disclosure under New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Records Act could cause irreparable harm.

A court hearing is scheduled for March 31 at 11:30 a.m. in Santa Fe and will determine if the restraining order should become a preliminary injunction. Authorities must demonstrate why the injunction should not be permanently granted.