In a surprising outcome for famous actor Alec Baldwin, the New Mexico District Attorney announced on Thursday, January 19 her department’s charges in the fatal shooting of a crew member on the set of Baldwin’s movie “Rust” in New Mexico in 2021.
Actor Alec Baldwin, who denies responsibility for the shooting, will be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for shooting the gun that killed the cinematographer. The movie’s armorer, who loaded the gun, will receive the same charge of involuntary manslaughter.
In October last year, District Attorney Carmack-Altwies announced that her office was conducting a complete review of the evidence and would make an informed decision on whether to file charges following an investigation that took over a year.
Halyna Hutchins, 42, was shot dead while working on the set of the movie “Rust.” The cinematographer was shot and killed by a gun held by actor and producer Alec Baldwin while he was practicing a scene with a loaded Colt 45 revolver, that Baldwin insists he didn’t know was loaded.
The movie director, Joel Souza, also injured during the incident, told investigators that Baldwin was facing the camera crew and practicing his cross draw when he unintentionally fired the shot.
A search warrant affidavit reveals that Dave Halls, the first assistant director of the movie, gave the gun to Baldwin and told him it was a “cold gun,” meaning it was safe to use. Halls agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a weapon, in exchange for a suspended sentence and six months on probation.
Authorities have been investigating how live ammunition got onto the film set and whether crew members took appropriate safety precautions with the weapon. The incident has raised many questions about safety in the workplace on movie sets.
When questioned by police, Halls said he had no idea that there were live rounds in the gun.
The armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was charged with involuntary manslaughter. She was in charge of firearms and ammunition on the set. She said that she did not know where the bullets came from and was not in the church when Baldwin and the crew were rehearsing with the gun.
Her attorney, Jason Bowles, said that Gutierrez-Reed did not inspect the weapons before they were taken into the church.
Baldwin has continually said that he was not to blame, and insists that people who were present on the set that day know exactly who is to blame for the fatality.
On Thursday, Luke Nikas, Baldwin’s attorney, said that the decision was a “terrible miscarriage of justice.” He said that he and Baldwin believe that the actor was relying on professionals on the set and should not be held responsible for their mistakes. He said they would fight the charges in court.
