Alec Baldwin’s Involuntary Manslaughter Charge Gets Dismissed
The involuntary manslaughter charge against actor Alec Baldwin was dismissed on July 12, Friday but he has at least two other lawsuits to deal with.
As Judge Mary Marlowe Summer announced her decision in New Mexico, the 66-year-old celebrity wept with relief. The decision was made three days into the legal proceedings after Baldwin’s defense stated that prosecutors concealed evidence related to the case.
Baldwin accidentally killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured the film’s director Joel Souza while filming Rust on October 21, 2021. At the time of the incident, Baldwin was practicing firing a pistol for the Western production. However, neither Baldwin nor the assistant director who handed him the prop gun were aware that it was loaded with live ammunition.
Before Baldwin took the shot, Assistant Director Dave Halls shouted, “Cold gun,” a convention indicating that the pistol was unloaded.
Prior to Baldwin’s case dismissal, the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, had already been convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison last March.
If Baldwin had also been found guilty, he would have to face up to 18 months in prison. Despite the recent dismissal, Baldwin still has at least two civil lawsuits—a wrongful death allegation from Hutchin’s husband and a negligence on set accusation. Aside from Baldwin, the latter charge has also been made against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and the production.
The latest case was the most serious charge filed against Baldwin. A day after the court’s decision, he wrote a few lines on Instagram to thank his supporters. “There are too many people who have supported me to thank just now. To all of you, you will never know how much I appreciate your kindness toward my family,” he wrote.
The multi-awarded actor was with his wife Hilaria, brother Stephen Baldwin, and sister Beth Keuchler at the trial.
Though the court ruled in Baldwin’s favor, a source said his family didn’t celebrate. “It’s been a sad situation, and there is no winning here. They didn’t celebrate. They were very worried and are grateful now that they are able to spend the rest of the summer with their kids,” the insider shared.
Rust Finished Filming in May 2023
After Hutchin’s death, the filming of Rust resumed and was finished by May 2023. The Western takes place in Kansas during the 1880s. The story revolves around a 13-year-old boy who is forced to take care of himself and his younger brother after becoming orphans. The movie has yet to be released.
