Hollywood actor and ex-soap star Alec Baldwin is facing several years behind bars. There’s a new report that says Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust back in 2021. Baldwin and the movie’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, each will be charged with two counts. Here’s what you need to know.
Ex-Soap Star Alec Baldwin To Be Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter For The Shooting Death Of Halyna Hutchins
Hutchins was shot and killed by Baldwin on the set of the movie, even though the actor maintains that he never pulled the trigger. One of the counts is for involuntary manslaughter, in which prosecutors will have to prove there is underlying negligence. The other charge is involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act. Baldwin could face up to five years in prison.
Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said in a statement: “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.”
What’s Next For Alec Baldwin?
Interestingly enough, Baldwin did reach a settlement in the Rust shooting back in October of last year with Hutchins’ estate. This came after a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the actor and others, according to a statement released by the actor’s attorney. The lawsuit, filed in February in Santa Fe, against Baldwin, the film’s production companies, its producers and other key members of the crew, alleged numerous industry standard violations. Halyna Hutchins, 42, was killed when Baldwin fired a Colt .45 revolver that he had been told was “cold.”
“We have reached a settlement, subject to court approval, for our wrongful death case against the producers of Rust, including Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC. As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed,” said Matthew Hutchins, husband of the late Halyna Hutchins said.
“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin),” Matthew Hutchins said in his statement. “All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”
So far Baldwin has made no comments about the matter.