A decision has been made in Alec Baldwin’s “Rust” shooting case that led to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on Oct. 21, 2021.
A New Mexico prosecutor announced Thursday that Baldwin has been criminally charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal “Rust” set shooting, according to the New York Post. The head armorer of the film, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed each face a maximum of 5 years in prison if convicted, according to TMZ.
Alec Baldwin to Be Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in Fatal ‘Rust’ Shooting https://t.co/8rRdT14IiR
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 19, 2023
The assistant director of the film, Dave Halls, accepted a plea deal for the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon and will face 6 months probation, according to TMZ.
“The evidence clearly shows a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the ‘Rust’ film set,” special prosecutor Andrea Reeb said in court Thursday.
“In New Mexico, there is no room for film sets that don’t take our state’s commitment to gun safety and public safety seriously,” Reeb said, according to TMZ.
Roughly 15 months ago, Baldwin held a prop gun that was discharged. Hutchins was struck in the chest and director Joel Souza was struck in the shoulder during the incident.
No charges have been filed in relation to the shooting of Souza. (RELATED: Assistant Movie Director Countersues Alec Baldwin In Aftermath Of Fatal On-Set Shooting)
BREAKING NEWS: Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter in fatal ‘Rust’ shooting: district attorneyhttps://t.co/jMtqsxjtx1
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 19, 2023
Law enforcement statements revealed Hutchins was shot around 1:50 pm (local time) and was airlifted to a hospital. In spite of the best efforts by first responders, she succumbed to her injuries, according to CNN.
Baldwin has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in the shooting.