A New Mexico court has allowed the release of most records from the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, but with some limitations. The court ruling, made by Judge Matthew Wilson, allows the release of redacted police body camera video and other investigative materials, including images of their dead dog, as long as depictions of the deceased couple are blocked from view.
The decision comes after a temporary court order restricted access to all investigation materials. A representative for Hackman’s estate had argued that releasing the records would infringe on the family’s right to privacy, but attorneys representing news outlets such as the Associated Press and CBS News testified that they would not disseminate images of the couple’s bodies and would blur them instead.
The investigation revealed that Hackman died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s disease, while his wife died of a rare rodent-borne disease. The couple’s three dogs were also found dead, with one dog dying due to dehydration and starvation.
While some medical information is not considered public record in New Mexico, the court ruled that most death investigation reports are typically considered public records. The Associated Press and CBS News intervened in the matter, stating they would not disseminate images of the couple’s bodies and would blur them instead.
The ruling also takes into account the possibility of releasing autopsy reports in the future, which may include past health care information. However, it is unclear who will benefit from Hackman’s estate once settled, as trust documents are yet to be made public.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/judge-weighs-request-withhold-investigation-041017359.html