The Wall Street Journal first reported today that prosecutors in New Mexico are planning to charge Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter for his role in the 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie “Rust.”
Hutchins died shortly when the revolver Baldwin was rehearsing with went off.
The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who loaded the gun, is also expected to face charges of involuntary manslaughter.
The development adds a stunning twist to Baldwin’s dwindling career. Baldwin, still one of the most recognized celebrities in the world, has adamantly denied any culpability. In interviews, Baldwin has said he was told the gun didn’t contain live ammunition.
Assistant Director Dave Halls declared the gun “cold” before handing it off to Baldwin and told a detective he didn’t inspect each chamber. Halls has already pleaded guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon.
The Wall Street Journal explains:
Santa Fe-area District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies plans to announce the charges Thursday morning, the person said, and the charges are expected to be filed by the end of the month.
The shooting occurred on the set of the low-budget Western outside Santa Fe, N.M., in October 2021. During preparations for a scene, Mr. Baldwin discharged a live round from a revolver, killing 42-year-old Halyna Hutchins. The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also wounded.
In New Mexico, involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison.
Representatives for Mr. Baldwin didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
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About time. But maximum 18 months for killing someone? Too little, especially since he has lied repeatedly about the killing.