BALDWIN FACES CHARGE OF INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER
NEW YORK: Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter over the fatal shooting on the set of “Rust” 15 months ago.
US prosecutors said armourer Hannah GutierrezReed would also be charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set in 2021.
Involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony in New Mexico that carries a maximum 18 months in prison and a $US5000 fine ($7250).
The film’s first assistant director, David Halls, agreed to plead guilty to the misdemeanour charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon. The deal includes a suspended sentence and six months of probation.
Baldwin’s defence lawyer Luke Nikas said the actor would fight and beat the charges, setting up a protracted legal drama that could take years to resolve.
“This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice,” Mr Nikas said. “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.”
The decision comes three months after the final report from the Santa Fe sheriff.
The cinematographer’s family said the charges were “warranted for the killing of Halyna Hutchins with conscious disregard for human life”.
Baldwin was holding the Colt. 45 during rehearsals for the film when it discharged, killing cinematographer Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza in October 2021.
The former “30 Rock” star has insisted he was told by crew the gun was not loaded.