Alec Baldwin Faces Shocking New Charges in Tragic Rust Set Shooting
New Mexico grand jury to determine if Alec Baldwin will face renewed charges in the tragic 2021 Rust set shooting that resulted in the loss of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins
A grand jury in New Mexico will soon decide if Alec Baldwin should face criminal charges once again in relation to the death of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.
In a statement on Tuesday, New Mexico special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis said that after an extensive investigation over the past few months, new facts have emerged that indicate Mr. Baldwin's potential criminal responsibility in the death of Halyna Hutchins and the shooting of Joel Souza. They believe that the appropriate course of action is to allow a panel of New Mexico citizens to determine whether Mr. Baldwin should be indicted for a criminal trial.
News that a new case would go to a grand jury was first reported by NBC.
Prosecutors said they will present the case within the next two months.
Baldwin's lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, expressed their disappointment that a tragic event like this has been used for an inappropriate prosecution. They stated to CNN, "We are fully prepared to address any allegations in a court of law." During a scene rehearsal, a live round was discharged from a gun held by Baldwin, resulting in the unfortunate death of Hutchins and injury of director Joel Souza.
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Halyna Hutchins in 2019.
Fred Hayes/Getty Images
Baldwin denied pulling the trigger on the weapon in a previous interview with CNN.
Baldwin no longer faces involuntary manslaughter charges this year. In a statement, prosecutors explained their inability to proceed due to time constraints and the current form of the facts and evidence provided by law enforcement, citing "new facts" in the case. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who pleaded not guilty, still faces involuntary manslaughter charges in relation to the case.
David Halls, the assistant director of the film, was identified as the individual who handed the firearm to Baldwin on that tragic day. Prosecutors revealed that earlier this year, he entered into a plea agreement for the offense of negligent use of a deadly weapon, with the terms of the deal requiring him to serve a six-month probation period.
