Prosecutors have charged actor Alec Baldwin and the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, with two counts of involuntary manslaughter following the tragic on-set shooting incident that resulted in the death of a cinematographer during the filming of the movie “Rust” in 2021.
Gutierrez Reed was the first person to face trial and be convicted in the case, receiving an 18-month prison sentence earlier this year in New Mexico.
Understanding the charges:
What is involuntary manslaughter?
In New Mexico, involuntary manslaughter is classified as a fourth-degree felony. It involves manslaughter committed during an unlawful act not rising to the level of a felony, or during a lawful act that could lead to death in an unlawful manner or without due caution and circumspection, as per state law.
What must prosecutors prove for the charges to hold?
According to Mary Carmack-Altwies, the district attorney for New Mexico’s first judicial district, the on-set shooting could result in criminal charges even if it was accidental. Involuntary manslaughter covers unintentional killings where there was no intent to cause harm, but the death occurred due to a lack of caution or circumspection, which is the case here.
Challenges for the prosecutors:
Carmack-Altwies highlighted the difficulty in determining how live rounds ended up on the set, stating that this may never be fully understood. Additionally, the unique environment of a movie set presents challenges, as the norms and expectations differ from those in everyday life. The expertise of prop masters is crucial in such situations, but even industry experts may have varying opinions on the responsibilities of actors and crew members on set.
