Troy Smith
Actor Alec Baldwin has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter today for shooting the gun that killed ‘Rust’ Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October of 2021.
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Prosecutors in New Mexico have brought these charges despite the fact that Baldwin claimed publicly to never have pulled the trigger of the gun.
The armorer of the film, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has also been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
The first involuntary manslaughter charge carries a sentence up to 18 months in prison, along with a $5000 fine.
The second involuntary manslaughter charge, which requires proof beyond simple negligence, carries a mandatory penalty of five years in jail.
Is Alec Baldwin Going to Jail?
Assistant Director of the film David Halls signed a plea deal with authorities over his own charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon. His deal will result in a suspended sentence and 6 months probation.
The family of Halyna Hutchins reportedly thanked authorities for pursuing charges against Baldwin, Gutierrez-Reed, and Halls.
The gun fired on set back in October of 2021 was reportedly filled with live ammunition instead of blank rounds. The shot, fired by Baldwin, struck and killed Hutchins and injured Director Joel Souza.
Baldwin has even sued the crew of ‘Rust’ for negligence over the incident.
The family of Hutchins reportedly reached a settlement with Baldwin back in October of 2022.
The fate of Baldwin, Gutierrez-Reed, and Halls will ultimately be decided by a jury. No charges were filed in the shooting of Director Joel Souza.
In the announcement of the charges, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis declared that ‘nobody is above the law’. BBC reports…
“Actor and producer Alec Baldwin and armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will each be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter,” the statement read. “I have determined that there is sufficient evidence.”
“On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice,” she said.
These charges, long delayed, will not bring Halyna Hutchins back. They will, however, hold those responsible for her death accountable.
