Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter nearly two years after accidentally firing a prop gun that killed a production assistant back in 2021.
On Thursday, prosecutors said the Oscar-nominated actor was charged in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of the Western movie “Rust” on October 21, 2021, NBC News reports.
Baldwin, Several Other Production Members Charged In Connection To Cinematographer’s Shooting Death
The announcement comes just three months after the Sante Fe Sheriff’s Office submitted its investigative findings to prosecutors.
In April, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that he believed there was a “degree of neglect” on the set of “Rust,” but ultimately left the decision regarding criminal charges to the district attorney’s office.
Several other members of production have been already similarly charged.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors to charge actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in fatal shooting of cinematographer on movie set. pic.twitter.com/OUdv4PsElT
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 19, 2023
Baldwin’s Charges Come On The Heels Of Several Other Production Members Charged In Connection To Deadly On-Set Shooting
The film’s armorer who was in charge of weapons on the set, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter, according to New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies.
And “Rust” first assistant director, David Halls, agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon, per Carmack-Altwies’ office.
Hutchins, 42, was fatally shot nearly 15 months ago during the filming of “Rust.” Baldwin had been rehearsing with a pistol for a scene set inside a church when the firearm went off, killing Hutchins and wounding the film’s director, Joel Souza.
Hutchins is survived by her husband, Matthew Hutchins, and their 9-year-old son, Aldous.
Photos of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins are displayed before a vigil held to honor her at Albuquerque Civic Plaza on October 23, 2021 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Hutchins’ Husband Reaches Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Baldwin, Producers In October
In early October, Hutchins’ husband reached a settlement in his wrongful death lawsuit against the producers of “Rust,” including Baldwin.
“Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son,” Baldwin said in an Instagram post after the settlement was announced. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”
Baldwin has remained contrite over the shooting, which an autopsy revealed was an accident.
This is a developing story. Be sure to check in with The Shade Room for more updates as they come.
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