❮
❯
VIRAL EXCLUSIVE
Feb. 6, 2024
Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty in Rust Shooting Case
Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges related to the 2021 on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the production of the film, Rust in New Mexico. By: Wee Yan Ling
Legal proceedings had
revealed that Baldwin, renowned for his role in 30 Rock had entered a
not guilty plea and was released under specific conditions, one of which is his
limitation in possessing firearms. Baldwin continues to deny responsibility for
Hutchins’ death and asserted that he was told the gun was unloaded, and it
fired by accident.
On October 21, 2021,
Baldwin was rehearsing a scene where he needed to cross-draw a revolver. As the
crew got ready for the scene, the firearm was discharged without notice which
resulted in Ms Hutchins getting hit by the bullet in the chest. The director,
Joel Souza, had also sustained an injury to the shoulder. Ms Hutchins, aged 42
was airlifted to the hospital where she passed on and Mr Souza, aged 48 was
conveyed to the hospital by the ambulance where he was discharged the following
day. Baldwin continues to deny responsibility for Hutchins’ death and asserted
that he was told the gun was unloaded, and it fired by accident.
The prosecutors dropped
charges initially due to the uncertainties regarding the firearm used by
Baldwin. A grand jury indictment follows an independent forensic test where it
was revealed that the gum would not fire unless the trigger is pulled. The revelation
was disclosed days after special prosecutor Kari Morrissey attributes the live
round’s presence in set to the movie’s weapons handler, Hannah Gutierrez.
The latest developments
had proposed a potential reevaluation of charges against Baldwin who continues
to reject accountability for the mishap. Hannah Gutierrez is charged with
involuntary manslaughter for lapses in ammunition checks and allowing live rounds
on set.
State regulators had
issued penalties to the Rust production company and the state had given
a penalty of $136,793 which is the maximum allowed under New Mexico law. The
company had appealed the fine initially but had announced a settlement
agreement that involved downgrading the citation.
A wrongful-death lawsuit
was filed by Hutchin’s family against the crew members and producers leading to
a settlement. As a component of an agreement disclosed in October, Ms
Hutchins’s spouse will be wearing the hat of the executive producer for the film
which will be resuming production in Montana, featuring Baldwin.
To never miss a story
— sign up for Viral
Weekly free newsletter to stay up-to-date with compelling TV
and Film news and views.
