Renowned actor Alec Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter again after the death of Halyna Hutchins, cinematographer for the film Rust, which occurred two years ago.
Baldwin, who plays the leading role and producer of the film, stood by his innocence and asserted that “he did know the firearm he held contained live rounds.”
However, as the results of the analysis performed last year were released, experts now believe that he must have fired the gun.
Baldwin’s attorneys responded, “We look forward to our day in court.”
The indictment came after a grand jury concluded that there was probable cause to indict the actor.
The unfortunate event happened two years ago, on October 21, 2021, while Baldwin was rehearsing a scene when the gun was discharged. The accident injured director Joel Souza and killed Hutchins.
Baldwin had long denied any hand on the incident and pressed that there must be somebody who put a live bullet in a gun, “a bullet that wasn’t supposed to be on the property. I can’t say who that is, but I know it’s not me.”
Prosecutor Kari Morrissey believes that the armorer of the set, Hannah Guttierez-Reed, knows details of how many live rounds came on set.
Morrisey offered leniency on Guttierez-Reed if she disclosed this, and warned her of felony charges if she opposed the deal.
Guttierez-Reed was in charge of the weapons on the set during the filming of Rust.
Prosecutors had earlier said that the props manager acted recklessly for failing to check the gun and the bullets. She was also believed to be drinking in the evening before the shooting.
David Halls, assistant director of the film, did not contest when he was charged with unsafe handling of a firearm last March. He was sentenced to six months of probation.
“Mr Halls never believed Mr Baldwin should be charged with a crime. It was a tragic accident that is best resolved out of criminal court,” Hall’s lawyer said.
Special prosecutors had already dismissed charges against Baldwin in April 2023 after they discovered that the firearm “may have been” intentionally modified. Their decision came before the forensic analysis results arrived.
The film resumed production during that same period. Matthew Hutchins, husband of the late cinematographer, negotiated an agreement with the film to become an executive producer.
The event caused worry in the film industry and led workers to push for improvements in gun safety.
