Nearly two years after accidentally firing a prop gun that killed cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, Alec Baldwin will now be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting on the set of his film, Rust.
Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ Set Shooting (HOW IT HAPPENED)
This announcement is coming just three months after the Sante Fe Sheriff’s Office submitted its investigative findings to prosecutors.
According to a statement by New Mexico District Attorney, Mary Carmack-Altwies, she wrote, “After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the ‘Rust’ film crew, on my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”
In New Mexico, involuntary manslaughter is classified as a fourth-degree felony with a sentencing of up to eighteen months in prison and probation, per New Mexico Legal Group.
However, a firearm enhancement on the second charge could carry a mandatory sentence of five years in prison.
Several other members of the production have been already similarly charged. The film’s armourer who was in charge of weapons on the set, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter, while “Rust” first assistant director, David Halls, agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon.
In a statement, Baldwin’s lawyer, Luke Nikas, wrote, “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.”
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