Involuntary Manslaughter Charges

Alec Baldwin Enters Plea In “Rust” Manslaughter Case

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Alec Baldwin has pled not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in New Mexico. Baldwin’s plea comes after a grand jury chose to indict Baldwin over the death of a cinematographer on the set of the Western film Rust, for which Baldwin is also a producer. The grand jury chose to indict Baldwin on similar charges to ones that prosecutors initially dropped in April of last year.

The renewed indictment stems from a new gun analysis that was presented to the grand jury in Santa Fe. Baldwin has claimed that he pulled back the hammer on the replica firearm but did not pull the trigger. Baldwin will remain free pending trial but is prohibited from owning firearms, consuming alcohol, and leaving the country. He is also allowed limited contact with other members of the Rust set for the purposes of promotion. A date for Baldwin’s trial is yet to be set.

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Alec Baldwin & Rust: What We Know

Rust finished filming in May 2023, with Baldwin returning to set to finish his scenes. The film, which is working on a budget of $8 million, does not have a release date. The break in production caused several recastings, with Jensen Ackles and Brady Noon both leaving the production due to scheduling conflicts. The film follows Baldwin as a grizzled outlaw who must attempt to save his grandson from a blood-thirsty US Marshal.

However, the shooting incident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was not the only incident on set. A few weeks after Hutchins was killed, a rigger was bitten by a spider and needed numerous surgeries to avoid an arm amputation. Furthermore, multiple reports about lapses in on-site safety were reportedly raised and ignored by supervisors. The on-set armorer has been charged and is awaiting trial in the case. Meanwhile, another charged individual took a plea deal earlier this year. Baldwin, who is also a producer on the film, has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

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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.

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“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.

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“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)
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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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