Since the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins on the Rust movie set in October 2021, a lot has unfolded. Alec Baldwin, despite his best efforts, continues to grapple with the haunting aftermath of the horrific shooting. Previous reports indicate that approximately a year ago, court papers filed in New Mexico formally charged the 97 Minutes star with one count of involuntary manslaughter related to the incident.
Now, updated information reveals that a grand jury in New Mexico has added a new charge of involuntary manslaughter against Alec Baldwin concerning the fatal shooting on the movie set. The earlier charges included two counts of involuntary manslaughter, with firearm enhancements due to the involvement of a firearm. The tragic incident occurred when a prop gun loaded with live bullets accidentally discharged, fatally hitting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in the chest and injuring director Joel Souza in the clavicle.
Regrettably, Halyna Hutchins lost her life after being airlifted to an Albuquerque hospital, while director Joel Souza was admitted to a Santa Fe hospital but released the following day. This ongoing legal situation emphasizes the severe consequences of the accidental discharge and its impact on the lives of those involved in the Rust movie production.
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Alec Baldwin Faces Manslaughter Indictment Again in ‘Rust’ Shooting; Battles Acting Challenges Amidst Legal Turmoil
According to the BBC, Alec Baldwin, 65, is facing a new charge of involuntary manslaughter in New Mexico for a deadly incident on a movie set in October 2021. Local prosecutors shared more details from tests on the gun involved in the shooting. Baldwin’s lawyers told the BBC they are ready for their day in court.
A group of 12 people, called a grand jury, heard the new evidence on Thursday. At least eight members needed to agree for new charges to be issued. On Friday, they charged Baldwin with one count of involuntary manslaughter. There are two legal ideas – one is that Baldwin was careless with the gun, and the other is that he showed no concern for others’ safety. Prosecutors say he can only be found guilty of one of these. If convicted, he could be in prison for up to 18 months.
Earlier charges against Baldwin were dropped last April, just two weeks before a trial started. Baldwin was practicing with a Colt .45 pistol for a scene in the movie Rust when the gun went off, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and injuring director Joel Souza. The 65-year-old feels very surprised and sad about Ms. Hutchins’ death and mentioned in recent court documents that he’s having a hard time finding acting jobs after the incident.
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Alec Baldwin’s Family Continues To Grapple With Shooting Tragedy Fallout
As reported recently, Alec Baldwin is now facing a fresh charge of involuntary manslaughter in New Mexico for an incident on a movie set in October 2021. His family, especially his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, is also dealing with the aftermath of the shooting tragedy. Recently, she was seen for the first time since the actor was indicted, keeping a low profile in a tracksuit.
In a TV interview last year with Extra, Hilaria Baldwin shared that she and her husband are still emotionally struggling a year after the tragic accident that led to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. In the interview, she expressed, “We’re not okay.” She breathed in deeply, fighting back tears. She said that it’s impossible to be okay after this terrible event. No one can imagine going through such a tragedy in their life.
Alec Baldwin maintains his justification that he did not pull the trigger or have any involvement in the fatal shooting incident. Nevertheless, Halyna Hutchins lost her life, and director Joel Souza was wounded. Baldwin posted a tribute to Hutchins in October, a year after her passing, to show respect.
Friday, a year after the grand jury first accused him of manslaughter, new charges were brought against him. The initial case fell apart because the actor’s lawyers and the original prosecutors faced difficulties, and they had to step down. In April 2023, the new legal team dropped the charge because there was evidence suggesting the gun might have been changed, making it malfunction and fire without the trigger being pulled.
While prosecutors considered whether to bring back the charges based on the new forensic findings, judges temporarily stopped various lawsuits against Baldwin and other producers involved in the movie Rust.
Source: BBC
