In the case of negligent homicide, there was a risk of imprisonment of up to 18 months. Now the US actor can breathe a sigh of relief – this charge will be dropped. But the investigations continue.
The criminal case against US actor Alec Baldwin (65) after a fatal shot while shooting a film has been dropped. The special prosecutor for the prosecution submitted the order on Friday (local time), the competent court in Santa Fe (US state of New Mexico) said. Prosecutors announced on Thursday that the involuntary manslaughter charge brought against Baldwin in January would be dropped.
Accordingly, new facts have become known in the past few days that require further investigations and forensic analyzes. Investigations into the case would continue, and Baldwin could be prosecuted again at a later date, said a statement.
Unclear where live ammunition came from
Camerawoman Halyna Hutchins was fatally injured in October 2021 while filming the western “Rust” at a film ranch in Santa Fe. Baldwin, who served as lead actor and producer on the film, was holding a gun in rehearsal for a scene when a shot went off. There was a real bullet in the Colt. It’s unclear how the live ammunition got on set.
Baldwin and gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were charged with involuntary manslaughter in January. Both have always denied responsibility for the fatal accident. Gutierrez-Reed has yet to appear in court, special counsel said. The next hearing has been set for August.
Filming will now continue. It was “bittersweet” to end the work begun with Hutchins with former colleagues and new team members, director Joel Souza said in a statement on Friday. They wanted the film to be a tribute to Hutchins’ work. Filming is scheduled to continue until the end of May, according to the “Rust” production lawyer, Melina Spadone. Working weapons and ammunition are not allowed on set.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
