Alec Baldwin Will Face Charges Of Involuntary Manslaughter

The case of the movie Rust, involves the protagonist, Alec Baldwin who fired a gun. The bullet struck the director of photography, Halyna Hutchins. The shot took her life and injured Joel Souza, another director on the set. Since the year 2021, when these tragic events occurred, it was not known what the consequences would be for the actor, until now. 

It is known that Baldwin was practicing with his gun when he fired it. However, he thought he had blanks, not real bullets. The bullet killed Hutchins and wounded Sousa in the man. For these facts, they accused both the actor and the armory personnel who put the real bullet in the gun. The investigations appear to be completed, and we already have the final decision.

Alec Baldwin Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter

Image via Santa Fe County sheriff’s office

Recently appointed District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies has issued her verdict on Alec Baldwin. This follows the completion of investigations by county officials and evidence obtained by private investigators hired by Hutchins’ family.

As for the facts, it is known that Baldwin was rehearsing for a scene involving his character’s gun, a Colt .45. In the middle of his practice it went off, causing the bullet to fatally hit the director of photography and wounding Sousa. 

As for Alec Baldwin’s defense, he stated that he regrets what happened but that he is not responsible. The actor stated that the gun was cold, which implied that the bullets were blanks. He also added that he did not know that the Colt had real bullets, and defended that he did not pull the trigger.  

However, an FBI report ruled that the gun could not have been fired without Baldwin pulling the trigger. 

The actor’s lawyers redirected the blame for the events to four production crew members. They said three people connected to the production team and the person in charge of the armory were responsible. 

Such a situation is complicated for any prosecutor, considering the facts. Halyna Hutchins’ husband filed a civil suit against Alec Baldwin. However, this was dismissed when Matthew and the film’s production company settled. This settlement included a financial settlement and putting the deceased’s husband as the film’s producer.

Despite the civil settlement, today marks a milestone in the criminal investigation more than a year after the incident.

Supreme Effort to Go to Trial in Rust Case

Image: Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office via AP, File

District Attorney, Ms. Carmack-Altwies stated “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 bring criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew.

“Under my tenure, no one is above the law and everyone deserves justice.”

Regardless of what the new prosecutor says about the trial, there is no denying that the prosecution and police team put in quite an effort. They had to ask for funding to open four criminal proceedings. Also to carry out the investigation procedures and analysis of the evidence. 

The investigation was not only based on witnesses, but also on the analysis of the weapon and the bullet found in the victim’s body. They also analyzed the calls made by Alec Baldwin, which they emphasize was very difficult to accomplish. The investigators at the time commented that they gathered much evidence to clarify what happened.

Part of the investigation showed that Hannah Gutierrez Reed was the one who loaded Baldwin’s gun with the real bullet. 

Now we know that a jury will decide what kind of manslaughter it was. As well as what penalties will be imposed on each of the defendants. 

“If any one of these three people-Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed or David Halls-had done their job, Halyna Hutchins would be alive today. It’s that simple,” said Andrea Reeb, the special prosecutor appointed by the DA to the case.

“The evidence clearly shows a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the Rust film set. In New Mexico, there is no room for film sets that don’t take our state’s commitment to gun safety and public safety seriously.”

 Featured Image Via Santa Fe Police

 

I am a circus aerialist influenced by Dick Grayson and Spider-Man. Fortunate to write about the characters that inspired me. I also have a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in International Trade.