A New Mexico judge is set to review Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss a grand jury indictment against him in a court hearing scheduled for Friday. The indictment, issued in January, accuses Baldwin of involuntary manslaughter in the tragic shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021, at a movie ranch near Santa Fe.
Baldwin, a lead actor and co-producer on the film “Rust,” has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. His legal team has pushed for the dismissal of the indictment, alleging that prosecutors mishandled the grand jury proceedings by overlooking exculpatory evidence and witnesses. The charge of involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 1.5 years in prison.
The incident occurred during a rehearsal when Baldwin was handling a gun that discharged, fatally striking Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has maintained that he did not pull the trigger but only pulled back the gun’s hammer.
Special prosecutors have defended their handling of the case, accusing Baldwin of attempting to evade responsibility. They point to inconsistencies in Baldwin's statements to law enforcement, workplace safety regulators, and in a televised interview. A jury trial is currently scheduled for July.
Prosecutors refocused on Baldwin after a movie weapons supervisor, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was sentenced to the maximum term of 1.5 years for involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins' death. An earlier charge against Baldwin was dropped when it was suggested that the gun involved may have been altered and malfunctioned. However, a subsequent analysis of the weapon prompted prosecutors to revive the case.
The indictment against Baldwin presents two potential standards for prosecution: negligent use of a firearm or causing death without due caution. Defense attorneys argue that the grand jury was steered away from crucial witness testimonies, including that of the film's director and safety coordinator.
The trial of Gutierrez-Reed provided insights into how Baldwin's trial might unfold, with a focus on safety protocols on the film set and Baldwin's role as a co-producer. The filming of “Rust” resumed in Montana following the tragedy, under an agreement with Halyna Hutchins' husband, who became an executive producer.
While Gutierrez-Reed is appealing her conviction, Baldwin's legal team claims he was offered a plea deal for a minor offense before the grand jury convened, but the offer was retracted before a response was given.
