SANTA FE, N.M.—A court on Monday 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 court put a temporary hold on the release of records pending Monday’s hearing.
Wilson said anything that does not include images of the couples’ bodies could be released.
The partially mummified remains of Hackman and Arakawa were found in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 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 Arakawa, 65, was dead….