Actor Alec Baldwin charged with manslaughter after a fatal shooting on the set of Oxide in 2021 it is “a terrible judicial error,” his lawyer denounced this Thursday.
“This decision misrepresents the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins (shooting victim, editor’s note) and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice,” said Luke Nikas. “Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe that live ammunition was in the gun or anywhere else at the shooting location.”
This speech occurs after the announcement of the next accusation against the actor, this Thursday, by the prosecutor in charge of the case. On October 21, 2021, this New Mexico ranch shooting turned tragic when Alec Baldwin activated a gun that was supposed to contain only blanks, but whose very real projectile had killed Halyna HutchinsCinematographer42, and the injured director Joel Souza.
The gunsmith in the film, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who had handled the weapon, is accused of the same charge.
Up to 18 months in prison if convicted
“After careful review of the evidence and New Mexico law, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the ‘Rust’ film crew.” Santa Fe County District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said.
“Under my supervision, no one is above the law and everyone deserves justice,” he added. The charges will be formally filed “at the end of the month,” the prosecutor said. If convicted, Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed risk up to 18 months in prison.
months of research
Alec Baldwin, 64, best known for the series 30RockHe always said that he had been assured that his weapon was harmless. Executive assistant David Halls, who had given him the gun informing him that it was not dangerous, pleaded guilty to negligence in using a deadly weapon. The star also maintained that he did not pull the trigger, a claim disputed by experts.
The police investigation focused in particular on determining how live ammunition could be found on the set, which in theory is strictly prohibited, precisely to avoid accidents.
Officers concluded that the gunsmith who fired the shots, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, planted the ammunition in the gun used by Alec Baldwin, instead of a fake bullet.
extensive matter
In August, the actor said he hoped no one would be charged, telling CNN that he had hired a private detective to establish liability in the case.
The tragedy led to a series of civil lawsuits from various members of the team. In October, Alec Baldwin announced that he had reached a settlement ending civil lawsuits brought by the family of Halyna Hutchins, the amount of which had not been disclosed. At that time, the resumption of filming of Oxide it had also been announced for early 2023.
Source: BFM TV
