Gene Hackman’s estate seeks to block release of death investigation records

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s estate is attempting to block the release of photos, videos and police bodycam footage related to the couple’s deaths.

Lawyer Kurt Sommer filed a petition Tuesday in state District Court in Santa Fe attempting to prevent the medical investigator and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office from releasing footage, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.

The petition attempts to block the release of the couple’s autopsy and “death investigation” until their deaths can be litigated, according to the outlet. 

Sommer wrote that once the images are released “the bell cannot be unrung.” 

GENE HACKMAN DEATH: COMPLETE COVERAGE

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s estate representative is attempting to block the release of photo and video evidence from the investigation.  (Getty Images)

Sommer argued the couple’s right to privacy outweighs the public interest in the couple’s death. He cited Kurt Cobain’s death in his petition and pointed out that a court refused to…