Actor Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the accidental fatal shooting of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and waived his right to an arraignment hearing.
A New Mexico grand jury indicted Baldwin earlier this month and found there was enough evidence to charge him with the death of Hutchins during the filming of the western on Oct. 21, 2021. The grand juries determined that Baldwin should face a charge of manslaughter because he allegedly acted negligently on the film's set south of Santa Fe, according to the indictment.
If convicted of the charge, a fourth-degree felony, Baldwin could serve up to 18 months in prison, under New Mexico law.
In new court documents released Wednesday, Baldwin consented to the case proceeding without an arraignment. He electronically signed a statement that said, “I plead NOT GUILTY to all charges in the complaint or subpoena.”
Baldwin has long maintained that he did not pull the trigger, only that he removed the hammer from the Pietta revolver, a replica of an antique gun from the 1880s, that fired the fatal shot. The film's assistant director handed the gun to Baldwin and told him it was “cold,” meaning it had no ammunition. However, the gun contained five fake cartridges and one real bullet.
Gun experts, including FBI analysts, have consistently said the gun could not have fired unless Baldwin pulled the trigger.
Baldwin's prosecution has been tense. A year ago, prosecutors charged him with involuntary manslaughter, but those charges were dropped last spring when a new special prosecutor joined the case. He was given information that the weapon may have been modified before being delivered to the set, making it more prone to malfunction.
But tests conducted over the summer showed that the weapon was likely working as designed, and special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey announced late last year that she would present her case to a grand jury.
The Hollywood artists' union SAG-AFTRA last week issued a statement in support of Baldwin, famous for his roles in “30 Rock,” “It's Complicated” and “The Hunt for Red October” and for impersonating the former president. Trump on NBC's “Saturday” show. Night Live.” SAG-AFTRA said it's not an actor's job to be a firearms expert.
A judge released Baldwin on his own recognizance.
The release order stipulated that the 65-year-old actor must obey all laws. He cannot possess firearms or dangerous weapons and is prohibited from drinking or using illegal substances. Additionally, Baldwin should not discuss “Rust” evidence or the prosecution with witnesses in the case. He cannot leave the United States without permission from a judge.
It's been more than two years since Baldwin accidentally shot Hutchins and director Joel Souza during an unscheduled rehearsal at an old western church at Bonanza Creek Ranch, a popular movie filming location in the desert south of Santa Fe. Hutchins died that afternoon and Souza, who was shot in the shoulder, recovered.
The film's gunsmith, Hannah Gutiérrez Reed, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter. Her case will go to trial next month. She pleaded not guilty.
