Alec Baldwin pleads “not guilty” for the gunshot fired on the set of “Rust” which cost the life of director of photography Halyna Hutchins – Corriere.it

2024-02-04 09:54:14

by Simona Marchetti

The actor was scheduled to appear in a New Mexico court to defend himself against manslaughter charges, but chose not to appear and leave his defense to a note. In January, the Santa F grand jury decided to reopen the case

He was due to appear in a New Mexico court to defend himself against manslaughter charges. But Alec Baldwin chose not to attend the hearing, entrusting his defense to a document, in which he pleads “not guilty” for the gunshot fired on the set of the film “Rust” in October 2021 and which cost life of the director of photography, Halyna Hutchins (the film’s director, Joel Souza, was also injured in the shoulder in the accident). In April 2023, the actor had agreed with the court the conditions to be able to complete the filming of the western film, of which he was also a co-producer as well as an actor, which included, among other things, the ban on using weapons or drinking alcohol .

Also last year, the manslaughter charges against Baldwin were dismissed, but in January the Santa F jury decided to reopen the case after prosecutors received new tests on the weapon with which the actor had shot (and that it should not have contained “live” bullets) and, according to their statements, the results would contradict Baldwin’s version who claims not to have pressed his finger on the trigger. Tests concluded conclusively that the shot could not be fired without the trigger being pulled, prosecutor Kari Morrissey said.

If found guilty, the star faces between 18 months and five years in prison. The film’s gunsmith, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, whose job was to ensure the safety of weapons and ammunition, was also indicted for involuntary manslaughter and pleaded “not guilty”. Her trial is expected to begin in February.

Corriere della Sera also on Whatsapp. sufficient click here to subscribe to the channel and always be updated.

February 1, 2024 (modified February 4, 2024 | 10:54)

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED