A judge recently denied Alec Baldwin's motion to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charge he faces in connection to the tragic Rust shooting that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin is now scheduled to go to trial in July and could potentially face up to 18 months in prison if convicted, as reported by the The New York Times.
The case dates back to October 21, 2021, during a rehearsal for the low-budget western film Rust, where a prop gun held by Baldwin discharged a live round, fatally injuring Hutchins and causing non-critical injuries to director Joel Souza. Baldwin has maintained his innocence, claiming that the gun fired due to a malfunction and that he did not pull the trigger.
Despite Baldwin's plea of not guilty, special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey argued that actors bear responsibility for firearms once they are in their possession. The legal proceedings have been ongoing, with charges initially dropped in April 2023 but reinstated in January following further investigation.
It is worth noting that Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was recently found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the shooting and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Baldwin's trial is set to commence in July, marking a development in the case.
Despite Baldwin's legal team's efforts to dismiss the charges by claiming unfair treatment by the prosecution, the judge ruled that the case had been properly presented to the jury and that there was no evidence of bad faith on the part of the prosecution. This decision sets the stage for Baldwin to face trial and defend himself against the involuntary manslaughter charge.
With the trial scheduled to begin in July, Baldwin and his legal representatives are gearing up for a crucial legal battle that could have implications for the actor's future. The outcome of the trial will not only determine Baldwin's legal fate but also shed light on the responsibilities of actors when handling firearms on set.
As film lovers and industry enthusiasts eagerly await the trial proceedings, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols on film sets and the potential consequences of lapses in weapon handling procedures. The Rust shooting tragedy has sparked conversations about on-set safety measures and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Don’t miss out on everything at XP Gained!
Daily Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, PC , Steam Deck & Gaming News. We have it all covered. Don't forget to follow us on X (formerly Twitter).
