Alec Baldwin has been formally charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter nearly two years after accidentally firing a prop gun that killed a production assistant back in 2021.
The charges against Baldwin and the set’s armorer, Hannah Guiterrez Reed, include two counts of involuntary manslaughter of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of the Western movie “Rust” on October 21, 2021, the DA’s office said.
Baldwin, Movie Set’s Armorer Officially Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter In Fatal 2021 On-Set Shooting Of Production Assistant
Attorneys for both defendants previously insist their respective clients are innocent.
“Negligent use of a deadly weapon charges were also filed against ‘Rust’ assistant director David Halls, who has pleaded no contest and has entered into a plea agreement that is pending approval,” according to a media statement issued by the DA’s office.
Baldwin, Other Production Members Officially Charged In Connection To Cinematographer’s Shooting Death
The announcement comes just three months after the Sante Fe Sheriff’s Office submitted its investigative findings to prosecutors. District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies told CNN in a statement that “no one is above the law” in New Mexico.
“Today we have taken another important step in securing justice for Halyna Hutchins,” District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies told CNN Tuesday. “In New Mexico, no one is above the law and justice will be served.”
Baldwin has maintained he was not aware the gun he fired during a rehearsal contained a live round, with his attorney calling the prosecutors’ decision “a terrible miscarriage of justice.”
BREAKING: Prosecutors Slam Alec Baldwin’s ‘Inconsistent Accounts’ of Deadly Rust Shooting in Newly Released Charging Docs
Full story here –> https://t.co/ABI02SGiQ5 pic.twitter.com/5sTM79d8VF
— Law & Crime (@lawcrimenews) January 31, 2023
Baldwin’s Attorney Calls Charges “A Terrible Miscarriage Of Justice”
“This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents 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,” Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas said in his statement.
Baldwin’s lawyer went on to say: “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.”
In April, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that there was a “degree of neglect” on the set of “Rust,” but ultimately left the decision regarding criminal charges to the district attorney’s office.
In New Mexico, involuntary manslaughter is classified as a fourth-degree felony with sentencing up to 18 months in prison and probation, per New Mexico Legal Group.
Several other members of production have been already similarly charged.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors to charge actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in fatal shooting of cinematographer on movie set. pic.twitter.com/OUdv4PsElT
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 19, 2023
Baldwin’s Charges Come On The Heels Of Several Other Production Members Charged In Connection To Deadly On-Set Shooting
The film’s armorer who was in charge of weapons on the set, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter, according to New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies.
And “Rust” first assistant director, David Halls, agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon, per Carmack-Altwies’ office.
Hutchins, 42, was fatally shot nearly 15 months ago during the filming of “Rust.” Baldwin had been rehearsing with a pistol for a scene set inside a church when the firearm went off, killing Hutchins and wounding the film’s director, Joel Souza.
Hutchins is survived by her husband, Matthew Hutchins, and their 9-year-old son, Aldous.
Hutchins’ Husband Reaches Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Baldwin, Producers In October
In early October, Hutchins’ husband reached a settlement in his wrongful death lawsuit against the producers of “Rust,” including Baldwin.
“Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son,” Baldwin said in an Instagram post after the settlement was announced. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”
Baldwin has remained contrite over the shooting, which an autopsy revealed was an accident.
This is a developing story. Be sure to check in with The Shade Room for more updates as they come.
