Prosecutors set to file charges against Alec Baldwin in connection with Rust shooting

Prosecutors plan to file charges of involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by actor Alec Baldwin during training on the set of a western movie in 2021.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died shortly after being shot at a film set ranch outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, on October 21, 2021. Baldwin pointed a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the film’s director. .

In recent weeks, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies has filed two sets of involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the shootings against Baldwin and aircraft weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez Reed.

The district attorney said through a spokesman that his office will publish charging documents and a statement of probable cause outlining the evidence. Hutchins’ death has prompted new safety precautions in the film industry.

Involuntary manslaughter can result in manslaughter that occurs when the defendant did something lawful but dangerous and acted negligently or recklessly. Special prosecutor Andrea Reeb cited a pattern of “criminal disregard for security” on set Rust.

Prosecutors also said they would release the terms of a plea agreement signed with assistant director David Halls, who oversaw security on the set. Participants in the un-filmed training have given conflicting accounts of handing over the gun to Baldwin.

Halls has agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon, they said.

Evidence and facts ‘speak for themselves’

Heather Brewer, spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office, said in a statement Friday that prosecutors are “focused on securing justice for Halyna Hutchins” and “the evidence and facts speak for themselves.”

Baldwin, also a co-producer Rust, has described the killing as a tragic accident. The 64-year-old actor said that the gun is safe and has sought to clear his name by suing the person involved in handling and supplying the revolver .45-caliber loaded.

In the lawsuit, Baldwin said that while working on a camera angle with Hutchins, he pointed the gun in her direction and pulled back and released the weapon’s hammer, which he discharged.

Defense attorney Jason Bowles, who is representing Gutierrez Reed, said the charges were the result of a “flawed investigation” and an “inaccurate understanding of the full facts.”

Defendants may participate in a waiver in many preliminary court proceedings or seek to avoid an initial appearance.

Involuntary manslaughter involving negligence is a fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine under New Mexico law. The second-degree murder charge is reckless with a provision that could result in a mandatory five-year prison sentence because the offense was committed with a gun.

The decision to fill in for Baldwin marks a surprising turn of events for the A-list actor whose 40-year career has included early blockbusters. The Hunt for Red October and starring roles in sitcoms 30 Stonesas well as a good appearance in Martin Scorsese The one who left and the film adaptation of David Mamet Glengarry Glen Ross. In recent years, Baldwin has become known for his impression of former president Donald Trump Saturday Night Live.