Involuntary manslaughter charges will be brought against Alec Baldwin for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie “Rust” in New Mexico in October 2021. New Mexico’s First Judicial District Attorney, Mary Carmack-Altwies, has confirmed that Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was responsible for the weapons on the set, will both face the charges. The first assistant director, David Halls, has already pleaded guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon, leading to a sentence of six months’ probation, and has agreed to provide testimony for the state. Gutierrez-Reed will also be charged with involuntary manslaughter.
According to Baldwin’s lawyer, Luke Nikas, Baldwin trusted the professionals in charge of weapons on the set to ensure that the gun was not loaded with live rounds, and therefore had no reason to suspect that it contained a live bullet. Nikas expressed his opinion that the decision to charge Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed with involuntary manslaughter was a serious miscarriage of justice that distorted the circumstances surrounding Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death. Despite this, the state is expected to present evidence that will support the charges against Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.
Meanwhile, an attorney for Gutierrez-Reed has also pledged to demonstrate his client’s lack of culpability in the matter. The tragic incident has resulted in the loss of a talented cinematographer and serious injury to the director, underscoring the need for strict safety measures on film sets to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Defense attorney pledges to demonstrate Gutierrez-Reed’s innocence.
In a statement, Jason Bowles conveyed that Hannah has consistently exhibited intense emotions and sorrow regarding the unfortunate incident. Nonetheless, Jason affirmed that Hannah did not commit involuntary manslaughter. According to him, the accusations stem from an inadequately conducted investigation and an incomplete comprehension of the entire circumstances. He further added that they plan to disclose the complete truth and anticipate that Hannah will be acquitted of any wrongdoing by a jury.
Maximum Sentence of 5 Years in Prison Possible for the Offense
Alec Baldwin and other members of the “Rust” film crew will be charged with involuntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, announced New Mexico’s First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies. While the charge typically carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine, a firearm enhancement has been added, making the crime punishable by a mandatory five-year jail sentence. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, will also face the same charge. The decision to file criminal charges came after a thorough review of evidence and the state’s laws, Carmack-Altwies said. The tragic incident occurred during the filming of “Rust” in October 2021 at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico when Baldwin accidentally fired a gun while rehearsing for a scene, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. However, no charges will be filed in connection with Souza’s wounding, according to prosecutors.
Carmack-Altwies stated that her decision to file criminal charges against Baldwin and others was based on a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico. She emphasized that no one is above the law and that everyone deserves justice.
The tragic incident occurred nearly 15 months ago during the filming of “Rust” at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico on October 21, 2021. Baldwin was rehearsing a scene set inside a church with a pistol when the gun went off, killing Hutchins and injuring the director, Joel Souza. The prosecutors have confirmed that no charges will be filed in connection with Souza’s wounding.
The charges against Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed highlight the importance of gun safety on a film set. It also raises the question of who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that proper safety protocols are followed when using firearms on a movie set. While actors and crew members rely on armory personnel to maintain the safety of the weapons, the incident at “Rust” highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to gun safety on film sets.
Tragedy resulted from a ‘disregard for safety,’ says prosecutor.
Special prosecutor Andrea Reeb issued a statement stating that Halyna Hutchins would still be alive today if any of the three individuals – Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, or David Halls – had fulfilled their responsibilities. She claimed that the evidence indicates a recurring pattern of criminal negligence for safety on the “Rust” film set, and emphasized that New Mexico has no tolerance for film sets that do not prioritize gun safety and public safety. Halyna Hutchins, who was survived by her husband, Matthew Hutchins, and their 9-year-old son Aldous, tragically lost her life in the incident.
Family of Halyna Hutchins Supports Decision to File Criminal Charges in Response to Fatal Shooting
A statement issued by Halyna Hutchins’ family expresses their support for the decision to file involuntary manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the “Rust” film crew. The cinematographer was killed during a shooting on the set. The family’s attorney, Brian Panish, thanked the Santa Fe Sheriff and the District Attorney for investigating the matter thoroughly and holding those responsible accountable. The family has stated that they are relieved to know that in New Mexico, no one is above the law, and they will fully cooperate with the prosecution.
Formal charges are expected to be filed by the end of the month, which will likely lead to a preliminary hearing within 60 days. At this hearing, a judge will determine whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to proceed with a trial.
District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the justice system in this case, stating that they are committed to ensuring equal justice under the law. The announcement of the charges comes three months after the investigative findings were submitted to the prosecutors by the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office.
In October, the husband of Halyna Hutchins, who was killed on the set of “Rust,” reached a settlement in his wrongful death lawsuit against the film’s producers, including Alec Baldwin. According to the settlement agreement, filming for the movie will resume in January with Matthew Hutchins joining the project as an executive producer. However, despite the settlement, the family has expressed their wish for justice and support for the charges against those responsible for Hutchins’ death.
Alec Baldwin asserts he’s not accountable for the fatality.
Following a thorough inquiry into the shooting incident, The Associated Press revealed that the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico had released its findings. The investigation relied on autopsy results and a scrutiny of law enforcement records, ultimately concluding that the shooting was an accidental occurrence. Nonetheless, the tragic event resulted in the loss of life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, which has had an immense impact on her loved ones and acquaintances, causing them immense distress and anguish.
In his first public interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos in December 2021, Alec Baldwin spoke about the incident and denied pulling the trigger. He insisted that he should not be held responsible for the tragic outcome and maintained that he does not feel guilty about what happened. Baldwin expressed his belief that someone must be held accountable for the unfortunate event, although he did not name anyone specifically. He also expressed his desire to undo the situation if he could, highlighting the gravity of the tragic incident and the impact it has had on all those involved.
“Rust,” the film where the shooting took place, is set in Kansas during the 1880s and features Baldwin playing an aging outlaw who goes on the run with his estranged grandson after the boy unintentionally kills a local rancher, according to a synopsis of the movie found on the Internet Movie Database. The director of the film, Joel Souza, is expected to resume directing when filming recommences this month. Souza previously directed independent crime dramas like “Crown Vic” and “Break Night.”
Baldwin is a well-known and prolific actor, having played the role of executive Jack Donaghy in the NBC sitcom “30 Rock,” portrayed former President Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live,” and appeared in various movies, including “Beetlejuice” and “Glengarry Glen Ross.” His performance in “The Cooler,” which was released in 2003, earned him a nomination for a best supporting actor Oscar.