Alec Baldwin indicted again in 'Rust' shooting: faces 18 months in prison if convicted
2:41 AM EST, January 20, 2024
A New Mexico grand jury has indicted actor Alec Baldwin on charges of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the shooting for the movie "Rust".
The American actor is charged with two counts: the involuntary use of a firearm and involuntary manslaughter. These charges carry implications of acts "committed with complete disregard or indifference for the safety of others".
Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison and a $5000 fine if convicted.
The film's property manager, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter and falsifying evidence. She has pleaded not guilty.
Hutchins, a Ukrainian cinematographer, was fatally shot on October 21, 2021, when a gun held by Baldwin discharged during a scene rehearsal on the set of the western "Rust". Director Joel Souza was also injured at the time. Baldwin denies having pulled the trigger.
Quoted by CNN, Baldwin's attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, stated that they are "looking forward to the day of the hearing". The defense has consistently maintained Baldwin's innocence.
Charges were previously dropped
In April 2023, the involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin were previously dropped. Prosecutors at the time stated that they "could not act by current time restrictions and based on the facts and evidence provided by law enforcement in its current state".
They made the preliminary decision to drop charges after authorities revealed that the gun used during the shooting "may have been modified", according to law enforcement sources cited by CNN. However, prosecutors noted the case could still be reopened.
In October, the prosecution stated that "additional facts have come to light". They suspect that the actor is responsible for Hutchins' death.
An expert report from a ballistics and forensic studies specialist prepared for the prosecutors concluded: "Although Alec Baldwin has repeatedly denied pulling the trigger, considering the studies, findings, and observations presented here, the trigger must have been pulled or pressed to elevate a fully cocked or retracted revolver hammer".
The director's assistant, David Hall, handed the firearm to Baldwin, who was supposed to assure the actor that the gun was safe. Charged with "negligent use of a deadly weapon", Hall accepted a plea deal in 2023 for a six-month suspended prison sentence.
