Lawsuits against American actor Alec Baldwin, accused of manslaughter after a fatal shooting on the set of the film « Rust » in 2021, will be abandoned, announced Thursday, April 20 the new prosecutors in charge of the case, citing “new facts” which deserve further investigation.
But the actor is not out of the woods, they warned.
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On October 21, 2021, the shooting of the film « Rust » on a ranch in New Mexico had turned tragic when Alec Baldwin had pointed a weapon supposed to contain only blank bullets, but whose very real projectile had killed the cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and injured the director Joel Souza.
This rare news item had shocked Hollywood and provoked calls to ban firearms on the sets.
The actor maintains his innocence
The actor was scheduled to appear in a preliminary hearing on May 3. But two weeks before the deadline, the new prosecutors in charge of the case announced the abandonment of the current charges against him, while reserving the right to initiate new ones.
“Over the past few days, (…) new facts have come to light which require further investigation and forensic analysis”explained in a press release Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis, the two magistrates who have taken over the case since March.
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These new elements justify the dropping of the current charges. But “this decision does not exonerate Mr. Baldwin of all criminal guilt and proceedings may be instituted again”these New Mexico prosecutors said.
The actor’s defense hailed this major twist.
“We welcome the decision to close 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 a statement sent to AFP.
Alec Baldwin, known in particular for his role in the series « 30 Rock »has always claimed his innocence and had pleaded not guilty to the charge of manslaughter brought against him.
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According to the actor, he had been assured that his weapon was harmless. He also denies having pulled the trigger, a claim doubted by many experts.
If convicted, the 65-year-old actor could face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The gunsmith, always pursued
The proceedings against the film’s gunsmith, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, also accused of manslaughter, are however maintained, prosecutors said Thursday.
During the initial investigation, police concluded that she was the one who put the ammunition in the gun used by Alec Baldwin, instead of a dummy bullet.
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Her defense said it expects her “be also exculpated” at the end of the legal process. In a statement, his lawyers praised “the very diligent and thorough approach” adopted by the new prosecutors.
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The prosecution had already shown signs of fragility in recent weeks.
In February, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies decided to drop an aggravating circumstance against Alec Baldwin, which made him face five years behind bars. She then withdrew from the case, assuring that her services were overwhelmed with work.
Resumption of filming
The announcement of the dropping of charges against Alec Baldwin comes the same day filming resumes « Rust » in Montana, after a year and a half hiatus.
Placed under judicial control, the actor, who is also co-producer of « Rust »had been allowed to finish his western, provided he refrained from drinking alcohol and using firearms or dangerous weapons.
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Filming on the film resumes with Halyna Hutchins’ widower, Matthew, serving as executive producer. In October, he dropped his civil lawsuit against Alec Baldwin after an undisclosed settlement.
The Ukrainian parents and the sister of the ex-director of photography, on the other hand, are still claiming civil damages.
In parallel with « Rust »a documentary about the life of Halyna Hutchins and the end of filming is also to be made.
At the end of March, the first assistant director of the film, Dave Halls, received a six-month suspended prison sentence in this case. He had handed the gun at the heart of the drama to Alec Balwin, assuring him that it was not dangerous, and he had agreed to plead guilty.
