A New Mexico judge ruled on Monday that images of Gene Hackman and his wife’s dead bodies will not be released to the public.
Judge Matthew Wilson granted permission for the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator to disclose records concerning the deaths of Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, with the exception of any photographs of the deceased couple. This decision ensures that partial autopsy reports detailing the incidents will be accessible to the general public. Additionally, details about the couple’s residence and their deceased dog, all discovered on February 27, will be made available for review, as reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Arakawa, aged 65, was discovered on the bathroom floor, close to scattered pills on the countertop. On the other hand, Hackman, aged 95, was found in the mudroom with his sunglasses nearby. The couple’s kelpie mix named Zenna was sadly found lifeless in a kennel situated in a bathroom closet close to Arakawa’s location. Their other two dogs were fortunately found alive on the premises.
Early investigations by the authorities dismissed speculations regarding carbon monoxide poisoning, clarifying that no evidence of a gas leak was detected. Moreover, they emphasized that despite the open front door, no indications of forced entry were observed.
Heather Jarrell, Office of the Medical Examiner’s Chief Medical Examiner, said Hackman died of heart disease, while Arakawa had hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and tested positive for hantavirus. Alzheimer’s disease was listed as a contributing factor in Hackman’s death.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said surveillance footage and other data indicated Arakawa died around February 11 and Hackman died on February 18.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the couple’s deceased dog underwent a medical procedure days before its death. The state Department of Agriculture’s veterinary lab concluded it likely died from dehydration and hunger.
Attorneys representing Hackman’s children and the couple’s estate sought to have various records withheld from the public, including images of the home, arguing that it made the home vulnerable to break-ins. The children’s attorney asked the court to keep all records from the public out of respect for the late couple.
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[Feature Photo: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File]
