Despite Alec Baldwin and Rust producers resolving a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Halyna Hutchins’ spouse, Santa Fe’s district attorney is still investigating whether to lay criminal charges against any individuals, and Baldwin has filed his lawsuit.
By the end of this month, prosecutors in New Mexico are scheduled to decide whether. Or not to press charges in connection with the fatal Rust film shooting.
In October 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when a pretend gun held by actor Alec Baldwin went off during rehearsals for the western picture on the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe.
Baldwin and the Rust production company negotiated a settlement with the cinematographer’s family for an unknown amount in October 2022. Following a wrongful death lawsuit, and stated that filming will continue in 2023.
Alec Baldwin Rust shooting likely this month
Following the news, Santa Fe’s district attorney (DA) stated that despite the civil settlement, the criminal investigation will continue.
DA Mary Carmack-Altwies was granted additional funding of $317,750 (approximately £282,900) to investigate the high-profile case, stating in a letter to the State of New Mexico Board of Finance, that she planned to prosecute “up to four individuals” if it was determined that charges were warranted.
She stated in her letter that “several people had handled the gun that ultimately killed Hutchins.”
While no specific date has been established for her announcement on charges. A decision is expected to be made in January.
In the statement issued by the DA following the civil settlement in October. A representative for her office stated: “The proposed settlement in Matthew Hutchins’ wrongful death lawsuit against Rust movie producers. Including Alec Baldwin, in the death of Halyna Hutchins, will have no bearing on District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies’ ongoing investigation or ultimate decision regarding whether to file criminal charges.
“While civil disputes are decided privately and frequently entail monetary awards, criminal cases are limited to the presentation of facts. If the circumstances and evidence under New Mexico law warrant criminal charges, then charges will be filed.
No one is superior to the law.
The prosecutor is believed to be examining all New Mexico statutes that could apply to the case, which could include involuntary manslaughter and negligent use of a lethal weapon.
Baldwin’s lawsuit details his “intense anguish.”
Several further civil suits have been filed in connection with this case.
In November, Baldwin filed a cross-complaint against the film’s armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and three other crew members. Including assistant director Dave Halls, in response to a prior case in which a different crew member identified the actor and others as defendants.
Baldwin, 64, is the film’s producer as well as its star.
His cross-complaint charges negligence and seeks trial-determined damages for his “immense anguish” as a result of Hutchins’ passing.
In a December 2021 television interview, the actor claimed that the Colt.45 pistol misfired. As he was cocking it and that he did not pull the trigger. He also questioned the origin of live rounds on set.
A forensic examination conducted by the FBI revealed that the single-action revolver “functioned normally”. And would not discharge without the trigger being pressed.
In a second interview conducted in August 2022, Baldwin responded to the FBI’s conclusion that the gun’s trigger had been pulled by stating that the bullet could have been fired via “fanning.”
Rust production was scheduled to resume this month. With executive producer Matthew Hutchins and director Joel Souza. Who was injured during filming, returning to the helm.
According to sources, the filming location was scheduled to change from New Mexico to California.
What did the parties to Matthew Hutchins’ case say about the settlement?
On October 5, 2022, it was announced that Hutchins’ family, Baldwin, and Rust Movie Productions had reached an undisclosed settlement.
Matthew Hutchins stated in a statement, “I have no interest in participating in recriminations or assigning blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin)”. “We all agree that Halyna’s death was a tragic accident. I am grateful that the entertainment industry and producers have joined together to honor Halyna’s final work.
Rust Movie Productions, via attorney Melina Spadone, stated that this constituted. “An essential step forward in commemorating Halyna’s life and recognizing her achievements.”
Luke Nikas, the attorney for Alec Baldwin, said: “Throughout this challenging process. Everyone has remained committed to doing what is best for Halyna’s baby. Everyone who contributed to the conclusion of this unfortunate and painful situation deserves our gratitude.”
