Alec Baldwin could be charged with manslaughter today – NBC Chicago

Prosecutors planned to file manslaughter charges on Tuesday in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by actor Alec Baldwin during a rehearsal on the set of a 2021 Western film.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died shortly after being injured at a film ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico on Oct. 21, 2021. Baldwin was pointing a gun at Hutchins when the gun went off , killing her and injuring the film’s director. .

In recent weeks, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies filed two sets of manslaughter charges in connection with the shooting of Baldwin and shooting weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.

The district attorney said Monday through a spokeswoman that his office would release charging documents and a probable cause statement outlining the evidence. Hutchins’ death has already led to new safety precautions in the film industry.

Manslaughter can involve murder that occurs while a defendant is doing something legal but dangerous and acting negligently or carelessly. Special Prosecutor Andrea Reeb cited a pattern of “criminal disregard for security” on the set of “Rust.”

Prosecutors also said they would release the terms of a plea deal signed with assistant director David Halls, who oversaw security on set. Attendees at the unfilmed rehearsal gave conflicting accounts of who handed the gun to Baldwin.

Halls agreed to plead guilty to careless use of a deadly weapon, they said.

District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Heather Brewer said in a statement Monday that prosecutors are “fully focused on securing justice for Halyna Hutchins” and that “the evidence and facts speak for themselves.” “.

Baldwin, also a “Rust” co-producer, described the murder as a tragic accident. The 64-year-old actor said he was told the gun was safe and sought to clear his name by suing those involved in handling and supplying the loaded .45 caliber revolver .

In his lawsuit, Baldwin said that while working on camera angles with Hutchins, he pointed the gun in his direction and fired back and released the gun’s hammer, which discharged.

Alec Baldwin will face a manslaughter charge in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie ‘Rust’.

Defense attorney Jason Bowles, who represents Gutierrez-Reed, said the charges were the result of a “flawed investigation” and an “inaccurate understanding of all the facts”.

Defendants can participate in many initial court proceedings remotely or request to be excused from their first appearance.

Negligence-related manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine under New Mexico law. The second set of manslaughter charges allege recklessness with a provision that could result in a mandatory five-year prison sentence because the offense was committed with a firearm.

The decision to charge Baldwin marks a stunning turn of events for a high-profile actor whose 40-year career included debut blockbuster ‘The Hunt for Red October’ and a starring role on the sitcom ’30 Rock,’ as well as guest appearances. emblematic in “The Departed” by Martin Scorsese and a film adaptation of “Glengary Glen Ross” by David Mamet. In recent years, Baldwin was known for his impression of former President Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live.”