A New Mexico judge has ruled that some records from the death investigation of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, can be released, but images of their bodies will remain sealed. This decision follows a court hearing held on Monday, where Judge Matthew Wilson determined that while LA Times and other media outlets sought to access the information, the privacy of the couple's family must be preserved.

While the judge agreed to release redacted videos and some documentation from the investigation, he stressed that "no depiction of either body in any video production" could be made accessible. Specific records, including autopsy reports and audio recordings from police body cameras, may allow the public insight into the circumstances surrounding their deaths, but explicit images of Hackman and Arakawa were determined to be too intrusive.

The couple was found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Subsequent investigations revealed that CBS News reported Hackman, aged 95, died from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s, while Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare condition transmitted by rodents.

Representatives for the Hackman estate argued strongly against the release of any images that could expose the family's grief to further media scrutiny. Greg Mackenzie, a lawyer for Hackman's children, emphasized that the family has a right to privacy regarding their father's death images, stating, “My clients have a right of privacy for their father’s death images to not be cast over the internet in perpetuity.”

The judge's ruling also took into consideration the potential risks associated with releasing security footage and images that could compromise the couple’s Santa Fe residence. Concerns were raised about the possibility of exploitation through media outlets once images became publicly available.

Although a temporary restraining order previously prevented the dissemination of these records, the ruling from this hearing allows certain details about the deaths to emerge, balancing the need for transparency with the family's rights. The Hill notes that the couple’s dog, Zinna, was also found deceased, further complicating the family's tragic loss.

As the investigation continues, the legacy and privacy of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa remain a focus for their family and legal representatives.