Actor Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins while on the set of the Western film "Rust" in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on October 21, 2021. Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and Special Prosecutor Andrea Reeb made the announcement on January 19, 2023. Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas has called the charges a “terrible miscarriage of justice”, and Hutchins’ attorney Brian J. Panish has said the family supports them.
The two counts of involuntary manslaughter are differentiated: one determines if there was underlying negligence, and the other requires that there was more than simple negligence in Hutchins’ death. Both are fourth-degree felonies, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. The latter charge also includes a firearm enhancement penalty, which is punishable by a mandatory five years in jail. The charges will be filed with New Mexico’s First Judicial District Court by the end of the month and the judge will decide if the case moves forward to trial.
Production of "Rust" is still underway, with Baldwin continuing in the lead role and Joel Souza returning as director. The production company has confirmed there will be on-set safety supervisors and union crew members on set and that live ammunition will be barred. It is unclear whether Baldwin is still a co-producer or if Matthew Hutchins, Halyna's widower, will be involved.
Actor Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film "Rust" in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The charges, which were announced on January 19, 2023 by Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and Special Prosecutor Andrea Reeb, will be filed with New Mexico’s First Judicial District Court by the end of the month and the judge will decide if the case moves forward to trial.
The two counts of involuntary manslaughter are differentiated. Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas has called the charges a “terrible miscarriage of justice”, and Hutchins’ attorney Brian J. Panish has said the family supports them. Both are fourth-degree felonies, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. The latter charge also includes a firearm enhancement penalty, which is punishable by a mandatory five years in jail.
Production of "Rust" is still underway, with Baldwin continuing in the lead role and Joel Souza returning as director. The production company has confirmed there will be on-set safety supervisors and union crew members on set and that live ammunition will be barred. It is unclear whether Baldwin is still a co-producer or if Matthew Hutchins, Halyna's widower, will be involved.