Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Estate Secures Injunction Against Photo Release
The estate of renowned actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has successfully petitioned a New Mexico court to prevent the public release of sensitive photographs taken during a death investigation. A First Judicial Court Judge in Santa Fe County issued a temporary injunction on March 30, 2023, halting the dissemination of any images related to the couple’s passing.
Details of the Injunction
Under the court’s order, the release of various materials is suspended, which includes:
- Photos and videos captured during the investigation
- Police bodycam footage
- Images taken inside their home, including those of their deceased pet, Zinna
- Autopsy and death investigation reports
The petition to the court was filed by the estate on March 11 and granted on the 30th. A hearing to further discuss the matter is confirmed for March 31.
Background on the Couple’s Passing
Gene Hackman’s passing has been attributed to heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a significant contributing factor. His death occurred shortly after Betsy Arakawa tragically succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Authorities indicated that due to the severity of Hackman’s Alzheimer’s, he may not have been aware of his wife’s death.
Tragic Circumstances Noted
In addition to the couple’s deaths, further distressing details have emerged regarding their pet dog, Zinna. The dog was found deceased from dehydration and starvation, having been left in a crate in a closet near Arakawa’s body.
Timeline of Events
Investigation officials have traced significant dates surrounding Arakawa’s death. They believe she likely died on February 11, based on her last known communication using a key fob on that date. Numerous unopened emails were found on her computer from that day, indicating no further outgoing messages were sent after February 11.
In the case of Hackman, his pacemaker recorded its last event on February 17, underscoring the timeline of their unfortunate events.
Community Response and Next Steps
This temporary injunction comes as a relief to the estate, which seeks to protect the couple’s privacy even after their passing. Public and media interest may lead to discussions about privacy rights concerning deceased individuals and their families. As the case continues and a court hearing approaches, the trajectory of this legal matter will remain of significant interest.