(DCWatchdog.com) – New Mexico prosecutors are poised to recharge Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter regarding the 2021 on-set shooting of his film “Rust,” which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
NBC News, referencing two insiders, reported these upcoming charges.
Baldwin’s initial charge of involuntary manslaughter was dismissed in April by special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis due to “new facts.” Yet, they retained the right to recharge him, stating, “This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled.”
Both special prosecutors told Fox News Digital, “After extensive investigation over the past several months, additional facts have come to light that we believe show Mr. Baldwin has criminal culpability in the death of Halyna Hutchins and the shooting of Joel Souza.” They plan to present their findings to a grand jury in the upcoming months, which will then decide on binding Baldwin with criminal charges.
The incident occurred on October 21, 2021, when Baldwin was rehearsing a scene. Director Joel Souza was also injured.
In an ABC News interview, Baldwin claimed that he “didn’t pull the trigger” on the Colt .45 revolver involved. Investigators examined the weapon and found it had worn joints and dysfunctional trigger control.
Baldwin’s production company, Rust Movie Productions, faced scrutiny recently when ordered by a judge to produce documents for prosecutors. This was to ascertain if Baldwin sought to maximize profits by overlooking safety protocols.
The subpoena emerged after the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, suggested that additional safety training was declined for financial reasons. Rust Movie Productions deemed the subpoena an “obvious phishing expedition,” asserting the requested documents were “privileged and protected.”
Nevertheless, the court ruled in the state’s favor, mandating the submission of unredacted documents by October 20. Gutierrez-Reed has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence charges.
Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, expressed their discontent with the situation, stating to both The Post and Fox News Digital: “It is unfortunate that a terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution. We will answer any charges in court.”
Apart from the criminal charges, Baldwin is contending with multiple civil lawsuits. One such suit was filed by “Rust” script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, and another by Hutchins’ family, represented by attorney Gloria Allred.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, filming for “Rust” concluded in May.
