Alec Baldwin may face involuntary manslaughter charges for ‘Rust’ shooting.
Alec Baldwin Could Still Face Involuntary Manslaughter Charges in Connection with Fatal Rust Shooting
According to sources, Alec Baldwin may still be charged with involuntary manslaughter in relation to the tragic shooting incident on the set of the film “Rust” in 2021. The incident resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza.
New Mexico prosecutors, who previously dropped the charges against Baldwin, have indicated their intention to recharge him based on “new facts.” It is possible that the case will be presented before a grand jury by mid-November.
“We believe that based on our lengthy and detailed investigation that it is appropriate for a grand jury in New Mexico to make a decision on whether the case should proceed,” said prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey.
Although the charges were initially dropped, prosecutors made it clear that this decision does not absolve Baldwin of criminal culpability and that charges could be refiled. The investigation is ongoing, with the gun and broken sear being sent for further testing by the state’s independent expert.
In October 2021, the shooting incident occurred on the New Mexico film set, involving Alec Baldwin and resulting in the death of Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin has consistently maintained that there was no intentional trigger pull.
Gun analysts Lucien Haag and Mike Haag were brought in by the state of New Mexico to determine if the gun used in the incident had been modified. Their findings concluded that the trigger had to be pulled or depressed for the gun to discharge.
In January 2023, Baldwin was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter by The Santa Fe County District Attorney’s Office. However, the charges were dismissed without prejudice in April.
The armorer of the film, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter and is expected to plead not guilty. Her trial is scheduled for February 2024.
Related: Experts Find Alec Baldwin Did Pull Trigger In ‘Rust’ Shooting, Could Still Face Charges