The DA’s office has finally spoken on the infamous shooting by Alec Baldwin while shooting Rust . The actor will face criminal charges in New Mexico later this year for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.
What’s Happening Now?
The famous actor found himself in the middle of a homicide while filming his last movie, Rust, as a prop gun killed Hutchins. According to Baldwin and the crew, the gun was meant for drama and hence not expected to contain real-life bullets.
Contradicting Accounts
The actor also told ABC that he didn’t pull the trigger, but the FBI disputed, saying the gun didn’t need Baldwin to pull the trigger before going off. The It’s Complicated star isn’t the only defendant in the case, as Rust’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is equally liable.
Getting Double Charges
There are two charges against Baldwin and Guitierrez-Reed, including involuntary manslaughter, which is the lightest and a fourth-degree felony. The second charge, which is stricter, is Involuntary Manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act.
A Heavier Second Charge
The second charge is loaded with other charges and a mandatory five-year jail time as punishment for firearm enhancement. The state’s prosecutors must prove gross negligence from the actor and the armorer.
Potential Jailtime
If found guilty, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed face up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. The prosecutors, however, must prove negligence on both defendants’ parts for the charge to stick.
Still Awaiting Pre-Trial
For now, there’s only a charge and the pre-trial is still pending. That means the case may not get to a trial where a jury of their peers would decide their fates based on the presented facts.
Director Takes Plea Deal
Meanwhile, the movie’s director, David Halls, took a plea deal admitting to negligent use of a deadly weapon. It saved him jail time but cost him six months of probation.
Filing A Counter Complaint
Baldwin sued the Rust crew supplying armory to clear his name last November. He filed the cross-complaint against the script supervisor Mamie Mitchell in an L.A. Superior Court.
Baldwin’s Side Of The Story
Baldwin’s side of the story alleges that he fired the gun accidentally during a dress rehearsal. He’d pointed the firearm at Hutchins, behind the camera, and released the hammer, causing the bullet to hit her.
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The Casualties
Hutchins died from her wound despite efforts to keep her alive. Another director, Joel Souza, also suffered an injury to the shoulder from the same shot.
Emotional Stress From The Incident
Baldwin said he suffered (and is still suffering) physical and emotional grief from the event on the Rust set. He can’t wait for the ordeal to end.
