Alec Baldwin Faces Fresh Manslaughter Charge In Rust Shooting: Details

Alec Baldwin has been indicted on the charges of involuntary manslaughter, as prosecutors get the evidence from forensic testing of the gun, thereby holding the actor guilty for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. 

Two prosecutors on the case, Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis had sent the gun for another round of forensic testing. The results claimed that the incident could have only been caused if the trigger was somehow pulled. It stated, “This fatal incident was the consequence of the hammer being manually retracted to its fully rearward and cocked position followed, at some point, by the pull or rearward depression of the trigger,” the report concluded.

“Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings, and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.”

Based on this, the prosecutors want to take up the case again given these “additional facts” have surfaced pointing towards Baldwin’s culpability. 

Developments in the case since

Baldwin, 65 was charged in January 2023 for his role in the death of Hutchins at a ranch near Santa Fe, on October 21 where the gun went off, during the shooting of the movie Rust, causing this unspeakable tragedy. Baldwin has maintained that he didn’t pull the trigger.

Based on the resurfaced evidence, Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said, “We look forward to our day in court.” Nikas said, “It is unfortunate that a tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution. We will answer any charges in court.”

If found guilty, Baldwin can face up to 18 months in prison. 

Matthew Hutchins, Hutchins's widower, following the shooting had filed a lawsuit which was soon discharged after the settlement. At the time of the settlement, Matthew Hutchins didn’t seem to blame Baldwin for the shooting. He said, “I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attributing blame (to the producers or Baldwin). All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”

However, a few months later, Baldwin was charged with manslaughter wherein he was accused of pulling the trigger and management lapses by the previous prosecutors. 

The film has since been completed and is awaiting distribution.