Rust: Jury indicts Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter

Rust: Jury indicts Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter – The actor is once again facing criminal charges for the shooting that took the life of photographer Halyna Hutchins.

By Megan Sauer

More than two years since Halyna Hutchin ‘s death, justice has still not been served.

After dying after being hit by a bullet during the filming of the western Rust, the photographer’s case continues to be investigated and, for the second time since then, Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter since he had the weapon that caused the death.

What charges does Alec Baldwin face in the Rust movie case?

According to Variety, a grand jury made up of New Mexico authorities has determined that actor Alec Baldwin should be charged with involuntary manslaughter after reviewing forensic reports on the operation of the revolver used on the set.

Although his defense has denied it, the experts’ report indicates that the shot could only have occurred when the trigger was pulled.

The actor’s lawyers limited themselves to confirming that they will fight the accusation in court. The fact is the most recent twist in the case, since prosecutors had previously decided to withdraw charges against the interpreter.

Everything indicates that it is the inspection of the weapon that has led to him being allegedly involved in the death of the Rust photographer.

As you know, it was in October 2021 that, during rehearsal for a scene, Baldwin used a gun that went off. The shot struck Hutchins and project director Joel Souza . The first of her died due to her injuries, leaving her husband a widower and her 9-year-old son an orphan, while the second survived the bullet he received in the shoulder. The case shocked Hollywood and sparked conversations about filming safety.

What remains unclear is what a real bullet was doing in the gun that must have been filled with fake rounds. The production’s gunsmith, Hannah Gutiérrez-Reed , also faces one count of involuntary manslaughter and another for tampering with evidence.

David Halls, the assistant director who is traditionally responsible for supervising the guns, pleaded guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon and was sentenced to six months’ probation.

Obviously, the charge of involuntary manslaughter is more serious and, if found guilty, Baldwin could face a sentence of up to 18 months in prison.

Of course, everything will depend on the trial and, in his specific case, the reviews carried out on whether the weapon worked, as the authorities claim, or not, as the actor’s defense warns, who from the beginning denied pressing the trigger.

The strangest thing of all is that Rust continued its production after the events. The producers and the director decided to move forward, to honor Hutchins’ latest work, and it is known that the film is currently waiting to find distribution.

Gutierrez-Reed will be the first to go through court, since her trial begins in February and will be there; perhaps more details will be revealed about the arrival of real bullets on the set.