In a recent development surrounding the tragic 2021 shooting on the set of the movie “Rust,” actor Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter. The charge is in connection to the accidental fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin, who was holding a prop gun during a scene rehearsal, has been embroiled in legal proceedings since the incident, which also left director Joel Souza wounded. Baldwin waived arraignment and entered his plea through his attorney, reinforcing his stance that he did not trigger the gun that fired a live round.
The case took a significant turn when Baldwin, aged 65, was indicted by a grand jury on January 19, following extensive investigations into the circumstances leading to Hutchins’ death. Baldwin has consistently claimed that he was informed the gun was “cold,” indicating it contained no live ammunition, by assistant director Dave Halls. Halls, who has since pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge related to negligent use of a deadly weapon, received a sentence of six months of unsupervised probation earlier in March.
The focus is also on Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, charged with involuntary manslaughter alongside Baldwin. Gutierrez-Reed’s trial is scheduled to begin on February 21, and she, like Baldwin, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. This case has sparked widespread discussion about safety protocols on film sets and the responsibilities of those involved in handling firearms during production. Baldwin’s legal team, expressing confidence in their defense, anticipates vindication as the court proceedings unfold.
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