According to mainstream news sources, Alec Baldwin and the armorer of the Rust movie, will be charged with involuntary manslaughter after a October 2021 incident involving a gun on the film set that resulted in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident has put a spotlight on the use of prop firearms on film sets and the armorer’s responsibilities during filming.
The involuntary manslaughter charge in New Mexico is punishable by up to 18 months in prison, but a use of firearms enhancement can bring the term up to five years.
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Breaking News: Rust Movie Involuntary Manslaughter Charges To Be Announced
Oscar-nominated actor Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of the Western movie “Rust,” prosecutors said Thursday.
Baldwin and the film’s armorer who was in charge of weapons on the set, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, will each face two counts of involuntary manslaughter, according to New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies.
“Rust” first assistant director, David Halls, has agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon, according to DA’s office.
Carmack-Altwies said charges will be filed before the end of the month.
Involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony and is normally punishable by up to 18 months behind bars and a $5,000 fine, prosecutors said. But a firearm enhancement on the charges could make the crime punishable by a mandatory sentence of five years in jail, prosecutors said.
“After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the ‘Rust’ film crew,” Carmack-Altwies said in a statement. Read the full article at NBCNews.com.