In a shocking outcome, famous actor Alec Baldwin has been accused of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of the cinematographer on the set of Baldwin’s movie “Rust” in New Mexico last year.
The New Mexico District Attorney announced the charges on Thursday, January 19.
Actor Alec Baldwin insists that he is not responsible for the death of the victim.
The movie’s armorer, who loaded the gun, will also be charged with involuntary manslaughter.
In October 2021, District Attorney Carmack-Altwies announced that her office was conducting a complete review of the evidence and would make a decision about whether to file charges following an investigation that took over a year. That decision was made and announced on January 19.
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, was shot on the set of the movie “Rust” during a rehearsal. She was hit by a loaded Colt 45 revolver held by actor and producer Alec Baldwin. Baldwin says he didn’t know the gun was loaded.
Joel Souza, the film’s director, was also injured. He told investigators that Baldwin was facing the camera crew and practicing his cross draw when he unintentionally fired the gun.
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” and was safe to use. Halls pleaded guilty to negligent use of a weapon, in exchange for a suspended sentence and six months on probation.
Authorities have been trying to figure out how live ammunition got onto the film set and whether safety precautions were followed.
When questioned by police, Halls said he didn’t know that the gun was loaded with live ammunition.
The armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was in charge of firearms and ammunition on the film set. She was charged with involuntary manslaughter. She insisted that she did not know where the bullets came from and was not on the church set when Baldwin and the crew were rehearsing with the gun. Although she was responsible for checking the gun, her attorney, Jason Bowles, said that Gutierrez-Reed did not inspect the gun before it was taken into the church.
Baldwin has repeatedly said that he is not to blame, and insists that people who were present on the set that day know exactly who is to blame for the fatality.
Luke Nikas, Baldwin’s attorney, 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 will fight the charges in court.