Judge blocks release of public records that show bodies of Gene Hackman and wife
Santa Fe-based Judge Matthew Wilson said post-mortem and investigative reports that do not show the couple’s bodies can be released.
A court in the US has blocked the release of any public records that show the bodies of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, but said other images and documents can be disclosed.
A representative for the Hackman family estate had urged a New Mexico judge to seal photos, video and documents to protect the family’s privacy.
Santa Fe-based Judge Matthew Wilson had put a temporary hold on the release of records pending Monday’s hearing.
Judge Wilson said anything that does not include images of the couple’s bodies could be released.
The partially mummified remains of Hackman and Ms Arakawa were found in their Santa Fe home on February 26, when maintenance and security workers showed up at the home and alerted police.
Authorities have confirmed Hackman, 95, died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s disease about a week after his wife’s death.
Hackman may have been unaware Ms Arakawa, 65, was dead.
Her cause of death was listed as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is a rare, rodent-borne disease.
