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Santa Fe, NM- Today, as ordered by the First Judicial District Court, Santa Fe County provided redacted records to numerous media and public requests for records related to the Sheriff's Office's investigation into the tragic passings of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa-Hackman. 

"The New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) placed the County in a difficult position," explained Gregory S. Shaffer, County Manager.  "On the one hand, we deeply understand the family's need for privacy during this painful time.  On the other, the County has a duty to follow the law and faced potential lawsuits, damages, and attorney's fees under IPRA if we withheld the records." 

 When the Hackman estates and their loved ones sought court protection to prevent the release of these records, the County asked the Court for guidance that would honor the family's core wishes and shield our community from potential liability under IPRA. 

"Our statutory and fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers requires us to find compassionate and workable solutions that respect both public transparency requirements and a grieving family's dignity," Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said.

The Board of County Commissioners and the Santa Fe County Sheriff extend their heartfelt appreciation to the first responders who handled this devastating situation with exceptional care and professionalism, especially under intense media attention. We offer our sincere condolences to the Hackman family in their time of loss and will fully respect the First Judicial District Court's preliminary injunction.

For media inquiries about the County, contact Olivia Romo, Communications Coordinator at 505-986-6224 or orromo@santafecountynm.gov. 

For media inquiries related to the Sheriff’s Office or Law Enforcement, contact Denise Womack-Avila at 505-986-2434 or dwomackavila@santafecountynm.gov.  

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