On February 23, Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Halyna Hutchins. Here is information on the ‘Rust’ shooting, the suspect’s charges, and more.
Alec Baldwin is a well-known actor whose credits include It’s Complicated and The Departed, among others.
Baldwin was working on the set of the film Rust on October 21, 2021, when the film’s cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, was tragically shot by a prop gun.
Alec has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, to which he has pleaded not guilty as of February 23, 2023, more than a year after the occurrence.
30 Rock alum Alec Baldwin, 64, is a prominent actor and producer who has been in numerous hit films and television shows, such as It’s Complicated and The Departed, among others.
His life took an unexpected turn on October 21, 2021, when the cinematographer working on his film Rust, Halyna Hutchins, was fatally shot.
In light of Alec’s latest not-guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter charges, here is all you need to know about Halyna, Alec’s bills, and the trial.
What Occurred On The ‘Rust’ Set?
Alec’s most recent endeavor is the film Rust, in which he not only stars but is also listed as a producer. Jensen Ackles of Supernatural, Travis Fimmel of Vikings, and Frances Fisher of Titanic all-star in the film alongside him.
During filming in New Mexico in October 2021, Alec accidentally discharged a pretend gun with real ammunition, resulting in Halyna’s death. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, is also being examined in relation to the unfortunate death of the cinematographer.
“On October 21, 2021, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s officers were summoned to the Bonanza Creek Ranch set of the western film Rust after a 911 caller reported a shooting on the set,” authorities said at the time, via DEADLINE.
The 42-year-old was carried by helicopter to the University of New Mexico Hospital in New Mexico, where she died. The 49-year-old film director Joel Souza was also injured, but he survived and was treated at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center.
Alec Baldwin’s Accusations and Trial
On January 19, 2023, more than a year after the fatal incident, Alec was charged with his involvement in the shooting. According to District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies of Santa Fe, the producer was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
The father of seven faces up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine if he is found guilty of the first allegation, which includes misdemeanor negligent use of a handgun.
The second offense carries the same prison sentence and punishment as the first, but it also includes a firearm enhancement that could result in an extra five years in prison.
Although the firearm enhancement might have resulted in a longer prison sentence, D.A. Carmack-Altwies has lowered the charges and deleted the firearm enhancement as of February 20, 2023, according to CNBC.
The minimum jail sentence has been reduced from “minimum of five years” to “maximum of 18 months.” Thus, a spokeswoman for the First Judicial District Attorney of New Mexico issued a statement announcing the reduced charges.
Heather Brewer’s statement read, “In order to avoid future litigious distractions by Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys, the district attorney and the special prosecutor have removed the firearm enhancement from the involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the ‘Rust’ set.”
In addition to pleading not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges, the Emmy-nominated actor “waived his first court appearance,” as reported by ABC News on February 23, 2023.
Alec and David Halls, assistant director, were scheduled to appear in court “remotely” on February 24; however, they both requested a waiver for their first court appearance, according to the site.
District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer imposed conditions on Alec’s conditional release, including that he cannot own firearms, consume alcohol, or have contact with prospective witnesses unless it’s for the purpose of filming a movie. Hannah’s hearing will continue and is scheduled on February 24 at 10:15 a.m. MST.
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