Alec Baldwin has been indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the tragic shooting death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, abcnews.go.com reports. The grand jury’s decision was announced on Friday by special prosecutors Kari T. Morrisey and Jason Lewis, who have been overseeing the case.
If convicted of the fourth-degree felony, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison. In response to the indictment, Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, expressed anticipation for their day in court. Attorney Gloria Allred, representing the family of Halyna Hutchins, also issued a statement expressing the family’s pursuit of truth and accountability in the criminal justice system.
The grand jury’s determination follows an extensive investigation that, according to the special prosecutors, uncovered “additional facts” indicating Baldwin’s “criminal culpability in the death of Halyna Hutchins and the shooting of [Rust director] Joel Souza.” The incident occurred on the set of Rust at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in October 2021, when a prop gun Baldwin was holding discharged, resulting in Hutchins’ death and Souza’s injury.
SEPTEMBER 9th 2020: Actor Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria Thomas Baldwin welcome their fifth child together – a baby boy born on September 8th. – File Photo by: zz/John Nacion/STAR MAX/IPx 2019 4/26/19 Hilaria Baldwin and Alec Baldwin at the premiere of “Crown Vic” held on April 26, 2019 during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. (NYC)Despite maintaining that he did not pull the trigger, Baldwin now faces legal proceedings. The tragedy led to lawsuits, dropped criminal charges (for Baldwin), and various allegations, including claims against the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Gutierrez-Reed is set to stand trial in February 2023, facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence.
David Halls, the film’s assistant director, previously signed a plea deal related to negligent use of a deadly weapon, receiving a suspended sentence and six months of probation. Rust resumed filming in Montana and concluded production in May after facing delays and legal ramifications in the aftermath of the shooting incident. The indictment marks a significant development in the ongoing legal aftermath of the Rust set tragedy.
