After almost two years, Alec Baldwin will be prosecuted with two counts of involuntary manslaughter after accidentally shooting a fake pistol in 2021 that killed a production assistant. According to authorities, the Oscar-nominated actor was charged with murder on Thursday for the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the “Rust” set in New Mexico on October 21, 2021, according to NBC News. Three months after the Sante Fe Sheriff’s Office handed prosecutors their investigative findings, the announcement was made.
Although Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated on ABC’s “Good Morning America” in April that he thought there was “a degree of carelessness” on the “Rust” set, he eventually deferred to the district attorney’s office in making a decision over whether to press charges. According to the New Mexico Legal Group, involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in jail and probation in New Mexico. Several other cast and crew members have previously received comparable charges.
According to New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer for the movie who was in charge of the weaponry on the set, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter. Additionally, according to Carmack-Altwies’ office, “Rust” first assistant director David Halls entered a plea deal for careless use of a dangerous weapon. Hutchins, 42, was shot and killed when “Rust” was being filmed over 15 months ago. Baldwin was practicing with a handgun for a scene that took place inside a church when the gun went off, killing Hutchins and injuring Joel Souza, the movie’s director. Hutchins’ husband settled his wrongful death claim against Baldwin and the other “Rust” producers in early October.
“Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son,” Baldwin said in an Instagram post after the settlement was announced. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”
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An autopsy determined that the shooting was an accident, although Baldwin has maintained his remorse. This story is still developing. – Steve Sijenyi
