SANTA FE, N.M. (NEWSnet/AP) — Alec Baldwin again faces a felony involuntary manslaughter charge after a grand jury indicted the actor in connection with the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on a movie set in New Mexico.
Baldwin, lead actor and a co-producer of “Rust," pointed a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe when the gun fired, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.
A new analysis of the gun opened the way for prosecutors to reboot the case, after dismissing an involuntary manslaughter charge in 2023. A new one-page indictment delivered by the grand jury Friday alleges Baldwin caused Hutchins' death — either by negligence or “total disregard or indifference” for safety.
Some things to know about the case.
Next steps. Baldwin can enter a formal plea with or without a court arraignment, setting in motion preparations for trial. The indictment provides prosecutors with two alternative standards for the felony involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin. One would be based on the negligent use of a firearm. A second alternative is to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Baldwin caused the death of Hutchins without due caution or "circumspection," also defined as “an act committed with total disregard or indifference for the safety of others.”
Baldwin as co-producer. Santa Fe-based defense attorney and former prosecutor John Day, who is not connected to the case, believes the indictment gives prosecutors an opportunity to address Baldwin's safety obligations as a co-producer. “We don’t know exactly what their theory is,” Day said. “It could be that they're including his role as basically CEO of the production ... not having a safe workplace and somebody dies and you're at the top of the pyramid.”
Two related trials. Separately, special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis are preparing for a February trial against “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering in the case. That trial is likely to proceed independently, and could give Baldwin's attorneys insight into prosecution strategies and testimony from witnesses who are likely testify in proceedings against Baldwin.
Follow NEWSnet on Facebook and X platform to get our headlines in your social feeds.
Copyright 2024 NEWSnet and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.