Criminal charges against Alec Baldwin in the 2021 fatal on-set shooting and death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins have been dropped. The actor was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter over the incident during the filming of Rust in New Mexico. Cinematographer Hutchins was killed by a live bullet fired by Baldwin from a prop gun during shoot. The development comes less than two weeks before a trial was set to begin.
New Mexico special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis said in a statement, “Over the last few days and in preparation for the May 3, 2023, preliminary hearing, new facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis. This decision does not absolve Mr Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled. We cannot proceed under the current time constraints and on the facts and evidence turned over by law enforcement in its existing form. Our follow-up investigation will remain active and ongoing.”
Baldwin’s lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro issued a statement praising the move by prosecutors and said, “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident.”
The film's armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is also facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The statement from the special prosecutors says the charges against her remain unchanged.
(Source: BBC/USA Today)
