Charges Dropped Against Alec Baldwin in Fatal Shooting of Cinematographer
All charges have been dropped against actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the film set for Rust.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that prosecutors in Santa Fe, New Mexico had dropped the involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin.
“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” Baldwin lawyers Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro says in a statement.
Recently appointed special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis are expected to file paperwork to dismiss the charges soon. Up until now, the actor had been facing up to 18 months in jail.
‘New Evidence’
In October 2021, Baldwin accidentally discharged a Colt .45-caliber pistol on the set of Rust, which fired a live round, killing Hutchins and injuring the western film’s director Joel Souza.
The Washington Street Journal reports that new evidence has come to light that reveals the revolver could have been fired without Baldwin pulling the trigger.
Baldwin has always maintained that he did not know there was a live round in the gun, which was being used as a prop, when the film crew gathered to rehearse a scene.
The supposed new evidence means that the details of the incident are set to be investigated further, and the case could be resurrected in the future.
The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was also facing the same charge of involuntary manslaughter as Baldwin in the fatal shooting.
A lawyer for Gutierrez-Reed, Jason Bowles, tells The New York Times that he has been informed of the prosecutor’s decision to dismiss the case against Baldwin, but that the charge against his client remains.
A Celebrated Cinematographer
Hutchins has been described as a “wonderful mother, first and foremost,” while her professional achievements have been celebrated by American Cinematographer magazine after she was named one of its rising stars in 2019, according to BBC.
I’m so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vcdFqHsGA0
— Adam Egypt Mortimer (@adamegypt) October 22, 2021
In October, it was confirmed that Baldwin had reached a settlement with the cinematographer’s family, including her husband Matthew Hutchins after they filed a lawsuit accusing the Rust producers of reckless behavior and cost-cutting measures.
Baldwin arrived in Montana last night to resume filming Rust, with Hutchins’s husband serving as executive producer.
Image credits: Feature photo licensed via Depositphotos.
