Alec Baldwin Formally Charged in Fatal Shooting of Halyna Hutchins

Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images for National Geographic

Alec Baldwin and Rust armorer Hannah Gutierez-Reed have officially been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the death of Halyna Hutchins. On Tuesday, Santa Fe County District Attorney  MaryCarmack-Altwie formally filed the charges against the actor, 64, and Gutierrez-Reed, 25, which included two counts of involuntary manslaughter. A judge is set to decide whether to move the case forward after a preliminary hearing.

Videos by Rare

According to the New York Times, Robert Shilling, who’s a special investigator for the district attorney, wrote in a probable cause statement, “This reckless deviation from known standards and practice and protocol directly caused the fatal shooting.”

The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Heather Brewer, stated in a press release on Monday, “The District Attorney and the special prosecutor are fully focused on securing justice for Halyna Hutchins. The evidence and the facts speak for themselves.” Attorneys for both of the parties involved have not immediately responded to a request for comment.

In New Mexico, involuntary voluntary manslaughter is a four-degree felony that is punishable by up to 18 months in jail with a $5,000 fine. The other involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act charge is also considered a four-degree felony that is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine as well. Since there was a firearm involved in the incident, this is punishable by a mandatory five years in jail.

Bodycam Footage Shows Confusion After ‘Rust’ Film Set Shooting

Hutchins, 42, was tragically shot and killed on October 21, 2021, after a prop gun that was held by the actor turned out to contain live rounds discharged. Since the incident, Baldwin has maintained that he did not pull the trigger.  The district attorney, special prosecutor Andrea Reeb, announced on January 19th that Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed would both face criminal charges after its investigation.

“After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew,” Carmack-Altwies stated at the time. “On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”

Reeb went on to add, “If any one of these three people — Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed or David Halls — had done their job, Halyna Hutchins would be alive today. It’s that simple. The evidence clearly shows a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the Rust film set. In New Mexico, there is no room for film sets that don’t take our state’s commitment to gun safety and public safety seriously.”

According to several sources, the film, Rust, is planning to continue production after the announcement of the criminal charges. Both produce her and star Baldwin and director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the incident, are still on board and will continue with the film. According to the New York Times, they did update their safety measures and will ban live ammunition and working weapons.

 Through a statement on January 19th, Balwins’ attorney Luke Nikas of Quinn Emmanual  announced that the charges against the actor represent a “ terrible miscarriage of justice.” 

“Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun — or anywhere on the movie set,” Nikas stated. “He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win.”

Read More: Alec Baldwin Responds to Rob Schneider’s ‘SNL’ Criticism

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

‘Doomsday Prepper’ Arrested After 6 Kids Found Living in Cellar

The Sexual History of ‘Barbarella’