Criminal Charges Dropped Against Alec Baldwin: What Happens to the ‘Rust’ Actor Next?
Actor Alec Baldwin can now breathe a sigh of relief over the fatal shooting case in 2021 from the ‘Rust‘ movie set where misfires from his gun took the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. Following this, the Emmy-award-winning actor Baldwin was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. In its latest development, New Mexico prosecutors confirmed that the criminal charges against Balswin will be dropped. However, cautioned that involuntary manslaughter charges and the investigation are not done yet.
What Did The Prosecutors Say?
Special prosecutors Kari Morrisey and Jason Lewis on Thursday issued the following statement giving the ‘Rust‘ actor another chance to resume his shooting.
“We cannot proceed under the current time constraints and on the facts and evidence turned over by law enforcement in its existing form,” they said. “We therefore will be dismissing the involuntary manslaughter charges against Mr. Baldwin to conduct further investigation. This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled,” adding: “Our follow-up investigation will remain active and ongoing.”
The case’s next hearing for Alec Baldwin was scheduled for May 3. Baldwin has already relinquished his right to show up at the initial hearing. Baldwin entered a not-guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter earlier this year. If found guilty, he could have faced up to 18 months in prison.
The new evidence’s nature was not specified. In the announcement, it was emphasized that Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s involuntary manslaughter accusations “remain unchanged.”
Baldwin’s attorneys had said earlier in the day that the charges against their client would be dismissed.
“We 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,” Baldwin’s attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said in a statement.
What happened on Oct. 21, 2021, on the set?
On the set at a ranch outside of Santa Fe, Mr. Baldwin was practicing firing the gun when it went off, killing 42-year-old Hutchins of Ukrainian-born, and wounding director Joel Souza. Hutchins was the target of Baldwin’s Colt.45 pistol. The event took place while the cast and crew were getting ready to shoot a scene inside a little church. Baldwin has claimed that he did not pull the trigger and that the gun fired unintentionally. However, according to a forensic analysis by the FBI, the firearm could not have fired without the trigger being pushed.
What’s Next After The Dropped Charges?
After being on hiatus for 18 months, filming of Baldwin’s western movie ‘Rust’ could resume this week in Montana. Baldwin is set to continue his involvement with the project as both actor and co-producer. Mr. Baldwin is seen filming Rust on location in Montana.
In an Instagram post after the announcement was made, the 30 Rock actor thanked his lawyer and his wife, Hilaria Baldwin.
“I owe everything I have to this woman. (and to you, Luke),” he posted.
Rust Movie Productions, which Baldwin is part of, said in February the scene that was being rehearsed when Hutchins was shot has now been rewritten.
Source: MARCA
