Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Manslaughter Charges Are Being Dropped

He was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 on-set death of 'Rust' cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

Photo: Gage Skidmore

BY Megan LaPierrePublished Apr 20, 2023

Prosecutors plan to file a notice to dismiss the charges against Alec Baldwin in the case of the fatal shooting on the set of Rust, CNN reports.

Baldwin had been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter after discharging the prop gun that killed the film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza while rehearsing on-set in October 2021. The actor pleaded not guilty earlier this year.

"We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident," Baldwin's attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, said in a statement to CNN. However, the actor is still being sued by Hutchins's parents.

The film's on-set armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was also charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, with the Sante Fe District Attorney having dropped a firearm enhancement from Baldwin's charge back in February. His next appearance in court for the case had been set for May 3.

As previously reported, Rust is set to resume filming this spring. According to a spokesperson for Rust Movie Productions, the indie film recommenced principal photography at Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana today with a mix of new and returning cast and crew — including Baldwin, Souza, executive producer Matthew Hutchins and cinematographer Bianca Cline.

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