After more than a year of investigation into Halyna Hutchins’ death, the charge against Alec Baldwin was announced.
Alec Baldwin; Halyna Hutchins. PHOTO: JIM SPELLMAN/GETTY; FRED HAYES/GETTY
Following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of Rust in 2021, actor Alec Baldwin has been accused of committing involuntary manslaughter.
After further than a year of investigation into the incident on a film set in the state, New Mexico District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies announced the charges against Mr Baldwin and the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, on Thursday.
The actor’s attorney did not respond right away to the charge. He has denied any role in Ms Hutchins’ death and stated that he presumed the weapon was secured to use.
District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies stated in a statement:
“After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew.
“On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”
The claim came less than three months after the District Attorney’s office obtained the final police report on the event that resulted in Ms Hutchins’ death after a prop gun held by Mr Baldwin was discharged.
Rust director Joel Souza was also injured during the shoot at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, Arizona.
Assistant director David Halls has entered into a plea deal for careless use of a dangerous weapon.
Mr. Souza’s non-fatal shooting will not result in filing of charges.
What is involuntary manslaughter?
Involuntary manslaughter is described as an unintended killing caused by reckless behavior or criminally negligent, or by committing a low-level criminal act such as a wrongdoing.
“Involuntary manslaughter is distinct from other types of murder since it does not involve contemplation, premeditated murder, and perhaps even intent,” based on the legal resource Justia. Involuntary manslaughter is the lowest level of homicide because these mental states are not needed.
“Because involuntary manslaughter doesn’t really necessitate an exhibition of intent, an accused cannot utilize the defense that he did not mean to commit the offense. A plaintiff, on the other hand, can argue that his actions did not reach the level of carelessness required to constitute gross negligence. This could include arguing that the shooting was in fact an accident and not the outcome of the defendant’s carelessness.”
What is the penalty for unintentional manslaughter?
In the United States, the penalty for negligent homicide differs by state.
An involuntary manslaughter fee in federal court can lead in a prison sentence of one to six years.
Involuntary manslaughter is a felony in New Mexico, punishable with up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 (£4,000) fine.
What did Alec Baldwin’s attorney say?
The decision to indict Mr Baldwin in connection with Ms Hutchins’ death “symbolizes a bad miscarriage of justice,” according to the actor’s lawyer.
“This judgment distorts Halyna Hutchins’ sad death and reflects a truly awful omission of justice,” said Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel.
“Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere else on the film set.
“He depended on the experts with whom he worked, who guaranteed him the gun did not include live rounds. We will fight the above charges and prevail.”
