Baldwin’s wife has said she doesn’t ‘feel so strong’ since news of the charges was first announced
Alec Baldwin will reportedly be formally charged today with involuntary manslaughter over the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of western movie, Rust.
The 64-year-old will be charged alongside the film’s weapons supervisor, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, over the incident on 21 October 2021 during an on-set rehearsal. New Mexico District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies first announced the pair would face charges on January 19, and that assistant director David Halls had signed a plea agreement for the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon.
Once charges have been filed with the court, Baldwin will be issued with a summons – but he won’t have to go New Mexico to appear in person. He will appear before a judge virtually, in what will be the first stage of a long criminal process.
Baldwin’s wife, Hilaria, recently revealed how she doesn’t “feel so strong” following news her husband would be charged.
During an episode of her podcast Witches Anonymous, she said: “It’s been an emotional time for my family. And I do so want to express to you how grateful I am for your support and your kindness and your reason.
“Quite honestly, without it, we would crumble. So, thank you so much for being our rock right now because I don’t feel so strong.”
Carmack-Altwies said through a spokeswoman Monday that her office will release charging documents and a statement of probable cause outlining the evidence, MailOnline reported.
Earlier she explained how Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed will be “charged in the alternative” with two counts of involuntary manslaughter meaning it will be up to a jury to decide, not simply if they are guilty, but under which definition of involuntary manslaughter they were guilty.
The first, can be referred to simply as involuntary manslaughter, and for the charge to be proved there must be underlying negligence. Under New Mexico law, involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony and is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a £4,044 ($5,000) fine.
The second charge is involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act – which requires proof of more than just negligence. It is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and up to a £4,044 ($5,000) fine.
Hutchins’ death already has led to new safety precautions in the film industry.
The Mail reported noted that special prosecutor Andrea Reeb has already cited a pattern of “criminal disregard for safety” on the set of Rust.
Prosecutors also said they will release the terms of a signed plea agreement with assistant director David Halls, who oversaw safety on the set.
Baldwin has said he thought the set gun was safe and has sought to clear his name by suing people involved in handling and supplying the loaded .45-caliber revolver.
After Baldwin makes his first court appearance a judge must review the evidence and rule on whether or not the case can proceed to trial.
If Baldwin pleads not guilty, which he is expected to do, the case will move to trial.
If convicted, Baldwin has the right to an appeal and it’s likely he would file one. Sentencing would likely be put on hold until them. Baldwin faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison of convicted of involuntary manslaughter with the firearm enhancement that prosecutors discussed today. The involuntary manslaughter charge also carries a $5,000 fine.
Related links:
- Halyna Hutchins’ family respond to news of Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter charge
- Alec Baldwin to be charged with involuntary manslaughter over Rust set shooting of Halyna Hutchin
- Alec and Hilaria Baldwin called out for the name they chose for their seventh child
- FBI release findings of Rust investigation after shooting of Halyna Hutchins
- Never-before-seen footage released from Rust set of moments before and after Halyna Hutchins’ death
- Alec Baldwin’s heartbreaking reaction after learning Halyna Hutchins died shown in police video
