Special prosecutors have announced their intention to recharge actor Alec Baldwin in relation to the fatal shooting on the set of the movie Rust in 2021. The prosecutors from New Mexico, Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis, will present new evidence to a grand jury within the next two months. The shooting resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
In February, Baldwin was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter, along with on-set armourer Hanna Gutierrez-Reed. Prosecutors stated that Baldwin did not attend the mandatory firearms training before filming began, and instead relied on on-set guidance. They alleged that Baldwin was distracted and talking on his cell phone during the training session, which was shortened due to his distraction.
During a rehearsal on October 21, 2021, Baldwin, who also served as a co-producer on the film, accidentally discharged a gun, fatally shooting Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. However, the charges were dropped in April after new information emerged that required further investigation and analysis. The prosecutors received reports suggesting that the gun may have been modified and malfunctioned.
Recent analysis of the gun by ballistics and forensic testing experts indicated that the trigger had to have been pulled or depressed for the gun to discharge. Based on this evidence, Morrissey and Lewis now plan to recharge Baldwin. They believe that additional facts have come to light, indicating Baldwin’s criminal culpability in Hutchins’ death and Souza’s shooting.
Baldwin has claimed that he was told the gun was “cold” and that he never pulled the trigger. The source of the live rounds found on set has not been determined. Gutierrez-Reed has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering charges.
Baldwin settled a lawsuit with Hutchins’ husband, Matt Hutchins, last October, making him an executive producer on the movie. Assistant director and safety coordinator David Halls, who pleaded no contest to unsafe handling of a firearm, received probation and is cooperating with the investigation.
The refiled charges against Baldwin and the upcoming trial of Gutierrez-Reed are expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident on the set of Rust.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
