Alec Baldwin stayed again accused of the accidental death of Halyna Hutchinsdirector of photography, during the filming of “Rust” in October 2021. The American actor, who was acquitted last April, has always maintained the version that he never pulled the trigger of the revolver he was holding, but that this exploded due to a mechanical failure.
Now, a grand jury has decided to indict him again for the “manslaughter” of Hutchins. Last October, special prosecutors presented the case to the grand jury after receiving analysis of the weapon used on set.
In early October, a New Mexico judge ordered the film’s producers to turn over documents to prosecutors that might show that Baldwin, the film’s star and producer, would have made more money if he had delivered the project on time and beyond below budget.
The case focuses on finding out how a real bullet appeared in the cylinder of the prop gun that Baldwin brandished during a test and which ended up fatally hitting Hutchins on October 20, 2021 in Santa Fe (New Mexico).
Alec Baldwin after the death of Halyna Hutchins at Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. Photo by AFPIn that state, a manslaughter conviction like the one Baldwin could face means up to 18 months in prison.
The person in charge of the security protocol during the recording, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is also charged with manslaughter, while the deputy director David Halls, responsible for giving the gun to Baldwin, accepted the misdemeanor charge in accordance with the indictment .
In recent days, the prosecutor investigating the case offered Gutierrez-Reed “preferential treatment” if he provided useful information in the case.
“I respect your right not to provide this information and to remain silent. However, if you would do so and answer some of these questions that torment the victims in this case, it would go a long way in getting a favorable resolution,” he told the Gutierrez-Reed defense via email.
The trial of the security officer is scheduled for February 21.
Source: Clarin
