Alec Baldwin, the actor accused of accidentally killing cameraman Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust (2021), has been cleared of all criminal charges. Baldwin’s lawyers released the information to the media on April 20. According to many witnesses on the film set, Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins during a rehearsal when the gun went off, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Baldwin claims the gun unintentionally discharged and that he did not pull the trigger. Baldwin’s release from criminal charges in the case coincided with the resumption of filming on the Rust film in Montana by Baldwin and other Rust film cast members.
“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,” lawyers Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said in an official statement.
In connection with Hutchins’ murder and the injuries of Rust director Joel Souza, Baldwin, 65, was charged in January with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. They were both hit by the same bullet that killed Hutchins.
Prosecutors have also charged armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed with involuntary manslaughter and will pursue the case against her, according to Reuters, citing a source familiar with the situation. Gutierrez-Reed has entered a not-guilty plea.
In Hutchins’ death, Baldwin was accused of “reckless” disregard for safety. In February, he pled not guilty after prosecutors reduced the seriousness of the allegations, cutting the potential prison time. The two special prosecutors in New Mexico’s First Judicial District who are overseeing the case have not issued an official statement. (Zolpidem)
