Actor Alec Baldwin faces five years in prison. The possible prison time comes after being charged with manslaughter for the death of a crew member on the set of the production of the movie “Rust.” According to TMZ, the Sante Fe, New Mexico district attorney says Baldwin pulled the trigger, despite his consistent claims he never pulled the trigger.
What Happened?
In October 2021, headlines were filled with the news of a death on the set of the upcoming film, “Rust.” Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died after being struck by a bullet fired from a prop gun that Alec Baldwin held. Reports show that on the day of Hutchins’s death, Baldwin practiced his cross-draw while facing the camera and crew. The assistant director David Halls handed Baldwin the gun while yelling, “cold gun.” Cold gun is yelled on set to alert everyone there are no bullets in the gun. Hall claims he did not know there was any ammunition inside the gun. Hutchins’s death was ruled accidental.
Since the fatal shooting, many have wondered how bullets got onto the set and if the proper safety precautions were taken. Santa Fe’s District Attorney, Mary Carmack-Altwies, believes the right methods to ensure safety with a gun on set were not followed. That’s why she charges Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez, the head armorer, with involuntary manslaughter. The assistant director agreed to a plea deal for negligent use of a deadly weapon. He will get a suspended sentence and six months probation.
D.A. Statements
The D.A. says that as the film producer, Baldwin failed to ensure the set was safe. She also says he is being charged as an actor for pulling the trigger and not checking himself to see if it was loaded. FBI analysis shows the trigger was pulled, despite Baldwin’s initial statements that the gun went off without him pulling the trigger. The D.A.s office says if Baldwin, Halls, or Guiterrez-Reed had done their job, Hutchinson would still be alive.
Guitterrez Reed Attorney Response to CNN:
“We were expecting the charges, but they’re absolutely wrong as to Hannah – we expect that she will be found not guilty by a jury and she did not commit manslaughter,” attorney Jason Bowles told CNN in a statement.
Baldwin Attorney Response:
“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. 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.”
Hutchinson Family Statement to TMZ:
“We want to thank the Santa Fe Sheriff and the District Attorney for concluding their thorough investigation and determining that charges for involuntary manslaughter are warranted for the killing of Halyna Hutchins with conscious disregard for human life.”
What’s Next?
Baldwin or Guitterez-Reed will not be arrested ahead of their first court appearances. The time of first appearances will be known after charges are formally filed.
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