Alec Baldwin May be Liable for RUST Shooting, New Evidence Reveals
By Movieguide® Contributor
New evidence in the RUST shooting case could cause prosecutors to file new charges against Alec Baldwin.
The involuntary manslaughter charges against the actor were dropped earlier this year because prosecutors wanted more time to examine the gun used on set.
Movieguide® previously reported:
While rehearsing for the upcoming Western RUST on location in New Mexico, actor Alec Baldwin discharged a gun, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring the film’s director, Joel Souza.
Baldwin’s defense against the crime remains the gun fired while in his hand because of improper modifications, but he did not pull the trigger, Yahoo! reported.
Because the FBI confiscated the gun for their own investigation, the prosecution was unable to disprove Baldwin’s argument, and they dropped the case. But at the time the charges were dropped, the prosecution noted that the charges against Baldwin could be refiled if new evidence related to the gun was uncovered.
“If it is determined that the gun did not malfunction, charges against Mr. Baldwin will proceed,” the prosecution wrote in June.
Through the reconstruction of the gun, the FBI has now concluded that the weapon was not able to fire without the trigger being pulled, placing liability back on Baldwin.
“The 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,” the FBI concluded.
This evidence enables the prosecution to disprove Baldwin’s case and continue with the court filings. Despite the new evidence, Variety reports, the prosecution has yet to refile the charges and it is unclear if they will pursue that option.
The case against the RUST armorer, Hanna Gutierrez-Reed, will continue to court in December. She is being charged with involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering, Variety reported.
Movieguide® previously reported on the RUST shooting:
Baldwin’s attorney also made a statement, saying, “Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”
Despite settling the lawsuit, Baldwin and others involved in the production of RUST could still face charges for Hutchins’ death.
The shooting, which took place in October last year, is still being investigated by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department.
