Gene Hackman’s Mother-in-Law Makes New Legal Move Following the Deaths of the Actor and His Wife, Betsy Arakawa

After the tragic and unexpected deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, a new legal matter has emerged — one focused on protecting the couple’s dignity and privacy.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the 65th Academy Awards on March 29, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman’s mother-in-law, Yoshie Feaster, has filed legal documents in an effort to prevent the public release of body camera footage and investigative materials tied to the couple’s death. The two were discovered last month at their home in New Mexico.

Feaster argued that releasing the footage would bring unnecessary emotional distress to the family and violate the privacy Gene and Betsy deeply valued throughout their lives. According to legal filings obtained by TMZ, she emphasized that the media attention already surrounding the case has been overwhelming.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the Thalians Ball honoring Liza Minnelli at the Century Plaza Hotel in California on October 8, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

She’s particularly concerned about images that show the interior of the couple’s home, their remains, and even their dog, Zinna, who was also found deceased at the scene. Feaster insists such images would be deeply traumatic and infringe on her constitutional rights.

So far, only limited footage has been made public — mostly of the outside of the home, including brief interactions between police, a groundskeeper, and one of Gene’s children. Audio from a call between a sheriff’s deputy and Gene’s daughter, Elizabeth Hackman, was also released, in which she expressed her wishes for the family dog to be cremated and buried alongside Betsy.

Gene Hackman (R) and his children during presidential premiere of “Superman” in Washington, D.C., on – December 10, 1978 | Source: Getty Images

The report from veterinary experts revealed that Zinna died of starvation and dehydration. The dog was found in a crate near Betsy’s body, while two other dogs in the home were found alive.

The heartbreaking 911 call made by a caretaker, who stumbled upon the unresponsive bodies, offered a raw glimpse into the moment of discovery. The caller hesitated before telling the dispatcher he had likely found two dead bodies, his voice shaken with disbelief.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 19, 2003, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Preliminary autopsies found no visible signs of trauma, but investigators are proceeding cautiously, citing circumstances “suspicious enough” to warrant a full inquiry. Scattered pills were found next to Betsy, and Gene’s body was discovered in another part of the home.

While no signs of forced entry or foul play were immediately evident, the toxicology and full autopsy reports are still pending. Elizabeth Hackman shared that the family suspects possible toxic fumes may have contributed, though no evidence of gas or carbon monoxide leaks has yet been found.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational on November 30, 1991, in California. | Source: Getty Images

The entertainment industry was quick to mourn. Gene’s daughters and granddaughter released a heartfelt statement remembering him not just as a Hollywood icon, but as “Dad and Grandpa.” Francis Ford Coppola, Valerie Perrine, and others paid tribute to Gene’s brilliance and quiet strength as an actor and human being.

Gene and Betsy had planned for her to oversee his final arrangements, due to their 30-year age difference. Her passing alongside him changed everything, leaving the family scrambling to adjust in the wake of the double loss.

Gene Hackman at ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT Issue Party during Super Bowl XXXIX on February 4, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

Gene’s nephew, Tim Hackman, shared that communication with Gene had largely been through Betsy in recent years. Though not estranged from his family, the actor led a quiet, reclusive life, choosing the calm of New Mexico over the spotlight of Hollywood.

Final reports from the medical examiner are expected within weeks. Until then, Yoshie Feaster is fighting to ensure that the couple’s final moments are treated with the privacy and dignity they both lived by.