Halyna Hutchins

Charges Against Alec Baldwin Dropped

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The events that occurred on the set of Rust in October 2021 were extremely tragic. During the filming of the upcoming Western, a live round was discharged from a prop revolver. This happened as Alec Baldwin, the film’s lead and executive producer, attempted to demonstrate a holster draw as part of a scene. This resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Director Joel Souza was also injured in the incident. The production was shut down and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office began an in-depth investigation.

In January 2023, Baldwin and the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, were both charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Elsewhere, first assistant director David Halls agreed to plead guilty on a charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon. In late February, Baldwin pled not guilty to the charges. Both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were scheduled to begin their trial proceedings May 3.

Baldwin Charges Dropped

A lot of information was made public in the aftermath of the incident. Gutierrez-Reed and Halls were both revealed to have had previous complaints relating to their firearm negligence. The incident also occurred during discussions about a production staff strike, specifically for the IATSE union, to which several Rust production staff members belonged. Finally, the FBI contested Baldwin’s claim that he did not pull the trigger on the prop gun. Firearms specialists showed the gun could not have been fired without pulling the trigger, and there was no mechanical failure.

However, Baldwin will no longer go to trial as his charges have been dropped. “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” said attorneys for Alec Baldwin. It is unclear if Gutierrez-Reed will still face trial for her charges. Filming on Rust also resumed this week, moving from New Mexico to the Yellowstone Film Ranch. The change was necessitated after the production was fined $100,000 for multiple safety violations, as deemed by the State of New Mexico. According to reports, the production will not use working weapons or live ammunition going forwards. It is unclear when Rust will premiere.

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Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty In “Rust” Case

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Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Additionally, he waived his court appearance on Friday. Currently, Baldwin is not in jail, free without having to post a bond to the government. He was originally going to make his first court appearance on Friday on Google Meet. However, he chose to submit his not-guilty plea through a court filing instead. Therefore, he will not have to do it in court and will not be due in court until the preliminary hearing begins. In the official trial, he faces up to 18 months in prison. Obviously, this will only occur if he is convicted in connection to the Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins‘ tragic death.

The Santa Fe D.A.’s allegations against Baldwin state that he acted with “criminal negligence” when he fired a loaded weapon. The incident occurred while preparing for a scene. The incident occurred at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in October 2021. However, Baldwin has denied these allegations, even prior to pleading not guilty. He has said that others were responsible for making sure the gun was not loaded. Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer of Rust, will make her first court appearance on Friday. She will appear under the accusation of involuntary manslaughter. According to reports, She was responsible for making sure all rounds in the gun were dummies.

Alec Baldwin Still Not In The Clear

Alec Baldwin speaks onstage at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala at New York Hilton on December 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala)

On Monday of this week, prosecutors dropped the firearm enhancement charge. The charge could have added an additional five years to Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed’s sentences. It would have allowed for extra punishment for the actual “discharge” of the weapon in the course of a felony. However, this did not apply to the Rust case. The enhancement charge took effect seven months after the shooting took place. Furthermore, Baldwin is set to head to Montana in spring to complete the film. The creation process was suspended after the tragic accident on set.

In October, producers announced a settlement with Hutchins’ husband, Matthew. He will become an executive producer of the film. Additionally, the filmmakers of Rust have said that they will finish the film as a tribute to Hutchins’ final work and overall talent. Additionally, they will be working with a documentary crew to tell the story of Hutchins’ career. This documentary will include the story of Hutchins’ time on Rust. Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed will have a preliminary hearing within 60 days of pleading not guilty to their accused charges. They will appear in person for the preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will give evidence to convince a judge to request a trial.

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“Rust” To Continue Filming, Will Honor Halyna Hutchins

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Rust, the indie Western film, is eying a spring start date to resume production. The film will return from a halted production following the tragic accident of Halyna Hutchins’ death on set in October 2021. Rust Movie Productions confirmed the news on Tuesday. Bianca Cline (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) will join the team as a cinematographer. According to producers, Cline will donate her salary to charity in honor of Hutchins. With her will come other additions to the crew, as well as returning individuals to the project. A notable returning member is Joel Souza, the film’s director. He was also injured during the tragic on-set accident.

A statement on Tuesday announced that Halyna Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, will serve as an executive producer on the film. He previously filed a wrongful death suit against Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie productions. However, the sides reached a settlement on October 5, 2022. The settlement included Matthew Hutchins coming aboard as an executive producer to help finish Rust and honor Halyna’s legacy. Additionally, Matthew Hutchins is supporting Rust Movie Productions’ creation of a documentary about Halyna Hutchins’ life and work, including Rust. Rachel Mason will direct and Julie Metz will produce.

“Rust”

Halyna Hutchins attends the SAGindie Sundance Filmmakers Reception at Cafe Terigo on January 28, 2019 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Fred Hayes/Getty Images for SAGindie)

This is the second time that Rust producers have announced that the film was reentering production. In October of last year, they stated that filming would resume with the movie’s original cast in January 2023. However, since that time has passed, it is unclear as to when and where the production will be filmed. Additionally, returning members of the cast have yet to be announced. Producers have said that new workplace safety procedures will be added, including the fact that production “will bar any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition.”

Historically, members of the cast and crew have spoken highly of Halyna Hutchins. Jensen Ackles said on Instagram that Hutchins “had a spunk and passion that infected the entire crew from the top down. She was an inspiration.” Director, Joel Souza, said today that “Though bittersweet, I am grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team joining former cast and crew are committed to completing what Halyna and I started. My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.” 

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Alec Baldwin & Armorer Charged In “Rust” Death Of Halyna Hutchins

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After years of denying responsibility, Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have been charged with the death of Halyna Hutchins. In October 2021, Hutchins was working as the director of photography for Rust when Baldwin reportedly fired shots from a prop gun. Sadly, the firearm was loaded with live rounds, killing Hutchins.

Fingers have been pointed as investigators sought answers. Additionally, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer, denied culpability, stating that they adhered to safety protocols. Today (January 19), the District Attorney in Santa Fe, New Mexico, shared both would face two counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Read More: Alec Baldwin Gets Ridiculed After Condemning Airport Fight Video, Cites Workplace Safety

“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,” said Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies.

She also noted, “On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”

Deadline also reports the charges will be “formally filed by the end of the month.” They also detailed the charges and the sentencing attached.

Read More: Alec Baldwin Says Stress From “Rust” Shooting Has “Taken Years Off” His Life

“The first charge is a fourth-degree felony with sentencing of up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine,” Deadline stated. “The second charge, which is formally an involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act charge, is also a fourth-degree felony punishable by up to 18 months in jail and up to a $5000 fine. However, the second charge additionally carries a firearm enhancement. That gives the offense a punishing mandatory five years behind bars if Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed are found guilty.”

Further, Baldwin’s attorney issued a statement about the updated news.

“This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice,” Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel told Entertainment Weekly. “Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun — or anywhere on the movie set.”

“He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win,” he also shared.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 06: Hilaria Baldwin and Alec Baldwin attend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala at New York Hilton on December 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala)
Read More: Alec Baldwin Sues Film Crew Over “Rust” Shooting

Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyer, Jason Bowles, also criticized the investigation into Hutchins’s death.

“Hannah is, and has always been, very emotional and sad about this tragic accident. But she did not commit involuntary manslaughter,” Bowles said. “These charges are the result of a very flawed investigation, and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts. We intend to bring the full truth to light and believe Hannah will be exonerated of wrongdoing by a jury.”

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