Alec Baldwin may be charged again in 'Rust' shooting
Prosecutors plan to bring an involuntary manslaughter charge before a grand jury
Alec Baldwin isn't off the hook in the "Rust" shooting just yet.
Prosecutors are set to bring the actor's case before a New Mexico grand jury, which will determine whether he should again be charged in connection with the fatal 2021 shooting on the set of the movie "Rust." The news was first reported by NBC News.
"After extensive investigation over the past several months, additional facts have come to light that we believe show Mr. Baldwin has criminal culpability in the death of Halyna Hutchins and the shooting of Joel Souza," special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
An involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin was previously dropped in April. At the time, Morrissey and Lewis said that "new facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis" ahead of a preliminary hearing. However, they stressed that this decision did not "absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled," adding that their "follow-up investigation will remain active and on-going." Baldwin was holding a prop gun on the set of "Rust" in 2021 when it went off, fatally striking cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Attorneys for Baldwin, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, said it's "unfortunate that a terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution," adding that they "will answer any charges in court." The actor has denied pulling the trigger of the gun that killed Hutchins. In August, though, a forensic report conducted by experts hired by the state of New Mexico determined "the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver."
In an emailed statement to The Week, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said it "would be surprising" if prosecutors are unable to secure an indictment of Baldwin.
"It's always easier to secure an indictment from a grand jury because there are no defense lawyers, no experts, it's just a one-sided presentation by prosecutors," Rahmani said. "And grand juries almost always return indictments. Prosecutors are pretty much going all-in on the fact that Baldwin pulled the trigger, and frankly it's their best argument."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Rahmani also explained double jeopardy does not apply because prosecutors previously dismissed the case without prejudice. "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering. Her trial is scheduled for 2024.
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
'The mental gymnastics were breathtaking at times'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Movies to watch in December, including 'Nosferatu' and 'Babygirl'
The Week Recommends A vampire classic reimagined, a Bob Dylan biopic, and an erotic thriller
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
What's next in Syria's civil war?
Today's Big Question Rebels seize Aleppo, putting Assad on defense
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published