Hey there, Madison Lee here! Today, we’ve got some news regarding actor Alec Baldwin’s criminal charges in the fatal on-set shooting of the movie “Rust.” According to ABC News, both counts of involuntary manslaughter facing Baldwin for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins are in the process of being dropped by recently appointed special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis.
In a statement, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, the attorneys for Alec Baldwin, 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.”
While the criminal charges have been dropped, Deadline reported that the investigation into Hutchins’ death is still ongoing, meaning that the case could potentially be resurrected in the future.
Back in February, the gun enhancement charge against Baldwin was dropped because prosecutors would have to prove that he brandished the firearm with intent to harm or intimidate a person. The District Attorney’s office stated, “The prosecution’s priority is securing justice, not securing billable hours for big-city attorneys.”
This all comes after the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office turned over a 500-page report on its investigation to prosecutors in October, which found that Baldwin fired a gun with live ammunition. The report also documents repeated problems with firearms on the set and paints a chaotic picture of what happened the day of the shooting.
“In order to avoid further litigious distractions by Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys, the District Attorney and the special prosecutor have removed the firearm enhancement to the involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the ‘Rust’ film set,” a spokesperson for First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies told Fox News Digital. “The prosecution’s priority is securing justice, not securing billable hours for big-city attorneys.”
The New Mexico chief medical investigator found Hutchins’ death to be an “accident,” according to CNN. “Review of available law enforcement reports showed no compelling demonstration that the firearm was intentionally loaded with live ammunition on set. Based on all available information, including the absence of obvious intent to cause harm or death, the manner of death is best classified as accident,” the report said.
While Baldwin has rejected culpability in Hutchins’ death, he further denied responsibility in a December 2021 interview on ABC News with George Stephanopoulos, stating, “I didn’t pull the trigger” of the prop gun that fired and killed Hutchins.
This story has definitely been a rollercoaster ride, and it’s unclear what will happen next. As a blogger who keeps up with all the latest celebrity gossip, I’ll be sure to stay on top of any new developments and keep you all in the loop. Until then, stay safe and stay tuned!
