Forensics experts have reportedly produced information that may lead to criminal charges being laid against famous actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal “Rust” shooting case.
New forensic findings concluded the trigger of the prop Colt .45 revolver that contained live rounds had been pulled “sufficiently” enough to cause the gun to fire, which ultimately led to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, People reported Tuesday, citing a new forensic filing.
“Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver,” the forensic report reads, according to People.
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The State of New Mexico hired firearms forensics experts Lucien Haag and Mike Haag in the case brought against “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. The Haags’ findings detailed the mechanism of the gun used in the shooting, according to People. “This fatal incident was the consequence of the hammer being manually retracted to its fully rearward and cocked position followed, at some point, by the pull or rearward depression of the trigger,” they said.
Baldwin has denied pulling the trigger on the gun he was holding, and the criminal charges against him were dropped in April. The famous actor may be called back into court to face new charges, as a result of these new findings that dispute his claim. (RELATED: FBI Rules Trigger Must Have Been Pulled On ‘Rust’ Set, Contradicting Alec Baldwin’s Claims)
Baldwin was holding the gun on the New Mexico set when it discharged, killing 42-year-old Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis said Baldwin could be hit with new charges pending the results of the forensic analysis, according to a June filing.
The situation continues to unfold.