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Highlights
- Alec Baldwin may face the re-filing of criminal charges following new evidence that the trigger had to be intentionally pulled for the gun to go off during the Rust shooting.
- The charges were initially dropped earlier this year due to the need for additional forensic testing, but this does not absolve Baldwin of criminal culpability.
- Baldwin still faces multiple lawsuits related to the fatal shooting, including one filed by Halyna’s parents and sister, as well as a lawsuit by three crew members seeking damages for physical and mental health problems caused by the shooting.
It’s been nearly two years since Alec Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins while filming Rust in New Mexico in October 2021. Alec fired a prop gun while in between scenes, which he claims to not have known it was loaded.
The event understandably caused a huge investigation as well as intense backlash, which later resulted in Alec facing criminal charges (as well as a slew of lawsuits). Even though the charges against Alec were dropped earlier this year, new evidence has caused speculation that the prosecution is gearing up to re-file the criminal charges.
The Charges Against Alec Were Initially Dropped Because More Evidence Was Needed
In January, the New Mexico District Attorney announced they were formally charging Alec with involuntary manslaughter. If convicted, he risks up to five years behind bars.
The following month, Alec pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released on personal recognizance with the condition that he’s not allowed to consume alcohol, speak to witnesses in the criminal case, and not own a gun.
However, the charges were later dropped in April, days after “new facts” came to light that required additional forensic testing. “Consequently, we cannot proceed under the current time constraints and on the facts and evidence turned over by law enforcement in its existing form,” prosecutors said at the time.
“We therefore will be dismissing the involuntary manslaughter charges against Mr. Baldwin to conduct further investigation,” they continued.
However, the prosecutors emphasized that this doesn’t “absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability,” and that they could refile the charges in the future if new evidence presents itself.
The Charges Could Be Re-Filed After Independent Testing On The Gun
Now, it appears there’s concern that the District Attorney may hit Alec with charges once again, as independent testing found the gun he used when he shot Halyna didn’t malfunction. Rather, it was determined the trigger had to have been intentionally pulled for the gun to go off.
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“The fired evidence cartridge is the consequence of a normal hammer fall from the fully cocked position of the hammer,” a court report made by the Forensic Science Services of Arizona stated.
The new evidence was submitted as part of the defense against film’s armorer, Gutierrez Reed, who’s facing involuntary manslaughter and tampering with a weapon charges. She plead not guilty to the charges earlier this month. This could be enough evidence to re-file the charges against Alec, though the prosecution hasn’t made any official comments.
Even if Alec isn’t hit with criminal charges again, he’s still facing a slew of lawsuit related to the fatal Rust shooting. He’s currently facing a lawsuit filed by Halyna’s parents and sister, which also names other people involved in Rust’s production.
More recently, in February 2023, three Rust crew members filed a lawsuit against the film’s production as well as Alec Baldwin, seeking damages after they say the shooting left them with physical and mental health problems.
Despite the controversy, Rust announced in February 2023 it would resume shooting in spring. Alec later commemorated the final day of filming in May with an Instagram post.
“Last day of filming RUST in Montana. Sorry that I did not get to work with this living legend, the great @francesfisher. Patrick, I envy you.” He wrote at the time. “It’s been a long and difficult road. But we reach the end of the trail today. Congratulations to Joel, Bianca and the entire cast and crew. Nothing less than a miracle.”
Halyna’s husband, Matthew, was brought on as an executive producer the film, while Bianca Cline was brought on to fill the cinematographer role.
