The appeal against Alec Baldwin in the criminal case concerning a fatal accident during the filming of “Rust” has been dismissed, concluding the case against him. Three years ago, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot dead by Baldwin on the set.
Baldwin’s gun was loaded with live ammunition instead of blanks. He faced criminal charges for involuntary manslaughter, which seemed to end in July when a judge dismissed the charges due to withheld exculpatory evidence by police and prosecutors.
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey filed an appeal in late November but withdrew it after New Mexico’s attorney general indicated the appeal wouldn’t be exhaustive. Morrissey expressed regret that Baldwin “will not be held accountable” for Hutchins’ death.
Ongoing civil lawsuits in California and New Mexico may bring justice for Hutchins’ family, potentially awarding damages. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, responsible for weapons safety on set, was sentenced to 18 months for involuntary manslaughter.
The source of the live ammunition remains unknown. Both Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin deny responsibility, with Baldwin claiming he didn’t pull the trigger.
The film “Rust” premiered at an international film festival in Poland in November, dedicated to Hutchins.
Source: NOS