{"id":204905,"date":"2024-02-09T00:09:03","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T00:09:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/09\/what-to-know-about-the-fatal-incident-more-hollywood-life\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:22:01","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:22:01","slug":"what-to-know-about-the-fatal-incident-more-hollywood-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/09\/what-to-know-about-the-fatal-incident-more-hollywood-life\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Know About the Fatal Incident & More \u2013 Hollywood Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

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30 Rock <\/em>alum\u00a0<\/span>Alec Baldwin<\/strong><\/a>, 65, is a successful actor and producer known for starring in many hit films and TV shows including <\/span>It\u2019s Complicated<\/em>,\u00a0<\/span>The Departed,\u00a0<\/em>and more. Despite his success, his life took a turn when the cinematographer,\u00a0<\/span>Halyna Hutchins<\/strong><\/a>, working on his movie,\u00a0<\/span>Rust<\/em>, was <\/span>fatally shot<\/a> on October 21, 2021. On April 20, 2023, it was reported that his <\/span>involuntary manslaughter charge<\/a> was <\/span>expected to be dropped<\/a> after his not-guilty plea, but in August 2023, another report said more charges could happen in the future. Most recently, the actor was indicted yet again on involuntary manslaughter charges on January 19, 2024.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is everything to know about what happened to Halyna, Alec\u2019s charges, the trial, and more below.<\/p>\n

\"rust
Alec Baldwin in the film \u2018Rust\u2019 set to resume filming in spring 2023. (Santa Fe Sheriff\u2019s Office\/MEGA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Happened On The Set Of \u2018Rust\u2019?<\/h2>\n
\"rust
The set of the film \u2018Rust\u2019 in New Mexico. (Santa Fe Sheriff\u2019s Office\/MEGA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The latest project for Alec is the film,\u00a0Rust<\/em>, in which he not only stars in but also is credited as one of the producers. A few of the actors who star in the movie alongside him include\u00a0Supernatural\u2019s<\/i>\u00a0Jensen Ackles<\/strong>,\u00a0Vikings<\/em>\u2018\u00a0Travis Fimmel<\/strong>, and\u00a0Titanic\u00a0<\/em><\/a>actress\u00a0Frances Fisher<\/strong>. During filming in New Mexico in Oct. 2021, Alec unfortunately fired a prop gun<\/a> that held live rounds which, in turn, resulted in the death of Halyna<\/a>. The film\u2019s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed<\/strong>, is also being investigated in connection to the cinematographer\u2019s tragic death.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanta Fe County Sheriff\u2019s deputies were dispatched to the Bonanza Creek Ranch movie set of the western\u00a0Rust<\/em>, October 21, 2021, when an 911 caller reported a shooting on the set,\u201d police said at the time, per DEADLINE<\/em><\/a>. The late 42-year-old was transported via helicopter to New Mexico\u2019s University of New Mexico Hospital where she subsequently died. The film\u2019s director,\u00a0Joel Souza<\/strong><\/a>, 49, also sustained injuries, however, he survived and was treated at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical facility.<\/p>\n

Alec Baldwin\u2019s Charges & Trial<\/h2>\n
\"halyna
Halyna Hutchins was the cinematographer killed after being shot on the set of \u2018Rust\u2019 in Oct. 2021. (Courtesy of Hutchins Family\/MEGA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over one year after the tragic incident, Alec was criminally charged<\/a> on Jan. 19, 2023, for his involvement in the shooting. The producer was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, as disclosed by Santa Fe District Attorney\u00a0Mary Carmack-Altwies<\/strong>. If the father-of-seven<\/a> is found guilty on the first charge<\/a>, including a misdemeanor negligent use of a firearm charge, he could face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The second charge also includes the same prison time and fine, however, it includes a firearm enhancement, which could add an additional five years in jail.<\/p>\n

Although the firearm enhancement could\u2019ve prolonged his jail time, D.A. Carmack-Altwies, has since downgraded the charges and removed the firearm enhancement altogether as of Feb. 20, 2023, per CNBC<\/em><\/a>. The jail time has also been downgraded from a minimum of a \u201cminimum of five years\u201d to a \u201cmaximum of 18 months.\u201d As a result, a spokesperson for the New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney, released a statement regarding the lessened charges. \u201cIn order to avoid further litigious distractions by Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys, the district attorney and the special prosecutor have removed the firearm enhancement to the involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the \u2018Rust\u2019 film set,\u201d Heather Brewer<\/strong>\u2018s statement read.<\/p>\n

Not only did the Emmy-nominated actor plead not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charges, but he also \u201cwaived his first court appearance,\u201d as reported by\u00a0ABC News <\/a><\/em>on Feb. 23, 2023. Alec and assistant director\u00a0David Halls<\/strong>, were both set to appear in court \u201cremotely\u201d on Feb. 24, however, they both filed a waiver for their first court appearance, per the outlet. Finally, District Judge\u00a0Mary Marlowe Sommer\u00a0<\/strong>set terms to Alec\u2019s conditional release, including that, \u201che must not possess any firearms, not consume alcohol and have no contact with any potential witnesses unless it\u2019s related to filming the movie.\u201d Hannah\u2019s hearing continued on Feb. 24.<\/p>\n

Then, four days after pleading not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges, it was revealed on February 28 that Alec is being sued by three Rust\u00a0<\/em>crewmembers (Ross Addiego<\/strong>, Doran Curtin,<\/strong> and Reese Price<\/strong>), per TMZ<\/em><\/a>. The court records obtained by the outlet revealed that they are taking legal action against the film\u2019s producer for being \u201c3 of 7 people n the church set the day the shooting happened.\u201d In addition, the three film crew members alleged that the movie\u2019s armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed \u201clacked essential experience.\u201d Finally, the three are suing for \u201cnegligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress\u201d as they also claimed they were asked to \u201cassist\u201d after Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza were injured. The outlet concluded that they are asking for \u201cunspecified damages.\u201d<\/p>\n

On March 14, 2023, The Daily Mail<\/em><\/a> reported that special prosecutor Andrea Reeb <\/strong>announced she\u2019d be leaving the case amid pressure from Alec\u2019s attorney. Given that she personally investigated the incident for the Santa Fe district attorney\u2019s office and found him (and others) responsible for Halyna\u2019s death, her departure from the case is considered a win for the actor.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts, which clearly show a complete disregard for basic safety protocols led to the death of Halyna Hutchins,\u201d she said, per the outlet. \u201cI will not allow questions about my serving as a legislator and prosecutor to cloud the real issue at hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec\u2019s attorney Luke Nikas<\/strong> had filed a motion in February to have her removed. \u201cMs. Reeb\u2019s continued service as a special prosecutor in this case is unconstitutional,\u201d he said at the time, arguing that she\u2019s not eligible to be a special prosecutor because she was elected to the New Mexico house back in November. \u201cThe legal question is not a close one. She must be disqualified.\u201d<\/p>\n

Most recently, his lawyers confirmed to\u00a0Variety\u00a0<\/em><\/a>that the prosecutors \u201care expected to drop manslaughter charges\u201d against Alec as of Apr. 20, 2023. \u201cWe are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,\u201d his lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro<\/strong> said in the statement to the outlet.<\/p>\n

In Aug. 2023, CBS<\/em> <\/a>reported that a new forensics report on the gun that was discharged on set and killed Halyna, says Alec allegedly pulled the trigger. The findings were inconsistent with what Alec said happened on set, the outlet further reported, and the results of this analysis could lead to charges being refiled against him, despite charges being dropped earlier this year. New Mexico prosecutors reportedly said they received new information about the incident, which is what warranted the additional forensic examination of the weapon.<\/p>\n

Recent court filings revealed that the decision to dismiss the two involuntary manslaughter charges and seek reevaluation of the gun, \u201cwas prompted by information suggesting the prop may have been modified without Alec\u2019s knowledge and may have malfunctioned when it discharged,\u201d CBS<\/em> also reported.<\/p>\n

The report was reportedly prepared by firearms expert Lucian Haag<\/strong> and forensics consultant Michael Haag<\/strong> for Santa Fe County special prosecutors Kari T. Morrissey<\/strong> and Jason J. Lewis<\/strong>, the court filings show. It appears in a motion filed Aug. 15, 2023, by attorneys for Rust<\/em> armorer, Hannah, who is still facing an involuntary manslaughter charge for the fatal shooting. She has pleaded not guilty and the case is scheduled to go to trial in Dec. 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis, \u201d prosecutors recently said, before a preliminary hearing was set to take place, according to CNN<\/em>. In a statement<\/a><\/span>, Kari and Jason said the charges against Alec would be dismissed while the investigation and analysis were underway. \u201cThis decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n

The new forensics report includes images and detailed descriptions of the gun and cartridges, as well as still images of Alec handling a revolver on the Rust<\/em> set during filming. Written observations of the images reportedly note how his finger appeared to be on or near the trigger as he cocked the gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver,\u201d Lucien reportedly wrote in the report.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only conceivable alternative\u201d [to the trigger being pulled] \u201cwould be a situation in which the trigger was already pulled or held rearward while retracting the hammer to its full cock position,\u201d Lucien continued. \u201cAlthough unlikely and totally contrary to the normal operation of these single action revolvers, such improper handling, would result in the discharge of a live cartridge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom an examination of the fired cartridge case and the operationally restored evidence revolver, this fatal incident was the consequence of the hammer being manually retracted to its fully rearward and cocked position followed, at some point, by the pull or rearward depression of the trigger,\u201d Lucien also wrote.<\/p>\n

In October 2023, it was reported that the prosecutors plan to recharge Alec with involuntary manslaughter, according to a report from NBC News.<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>The sources said that they planned to bring the charges to the grand jury in November 2023. The charges could also lead to an 18-month prison sentence if Alec is found guilty. \u201cIt is unfortunate that a terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution,\u201d his lawyers told NBC News.\u00a0<\/em>\u201cWe will answer any charges in court.\u201d<\/p>\n

In January 2024, Alec was indicted yet again on involuntary manslaughter charges, according to\u00a0Variety<\/a>.<\/em> Prosecutors had sent the gun for further forensic testing, and it was determined that it could have only been fired if the trigger was pulled. As mentioned above, he can face up to 18 months in prison, if he\u2019s charged. \u201cWe look forward to our day in court,\u201d the actor\u2019s lawyers said in a statement.<\/p>\n

Most recently, in February 2024, a judge reassignment took place and led to the First Judicial District Court to cancel the August 6 jury selection date. This means that the trial date has been cancelled, per Entertainment<\/i> Tonight<\/em><\/a>. This moves also comes just one week after Alec filed a waiver of arraignment in Santa Fe County, New Mexico\u2019s First Judicial District Court, per the same outlet.<\/p>\n

Halyna\u2019s family\u2019s lawyer also released a statement to\u00a0US Weekly<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>on January 26, 2024. \u201cThe notion that an actor is not responsible if that actor holds a gun, points it at someone on a movie set, and discharges the weapon flies in the face of common sense and the law,\u201d Gloria Allred<\/strong> told the mag.<\/span>\u00a0\u201cSafety protocols may be considered at trial, but they are not the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her statement comes after the SAG-AFTRA group defended Alec. \u201cTo the extent that the charges filed on January 19 are based on an accusation of negligent use of a firearm predicated on this or any actor having a duty to inspect a firearm as part of its use, that is an incorrect assessment of the actual duties of an actor on set,\u201d the statement from the union<\/a> read on January 25, 2024. They also noted that an actor is not \u201ca firearms or weapons expert.\u201d<\/p>\n

What Has Alec Said Since The Incident?<\/h2>\n