Actor Alec Baldwin and “Rust” shield Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have each been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins after the gun Baldwin held on set went off.
Although the first hearing was scheduled for Friday, February 24, the “30 Rock” actor entered his not guilty plea on Thursday and will no longer have to appear in court tomorrow.
‘Rust’ First Trial Canceled After Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter Charges
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As expected, Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter. New Mexico Judge Mary Marlow Sommer therefore canceled the hearing scheduled for tomorrow.
In legal documents filed in court Thursday, Baldwin’s lead attorney Luke Nikas wrote, “I hereby certify that I have explained to Mr. Baldwin his right to appear in person in District Court to enter a plea of Not Guilty and have his rights explained. to him by the judge and I am satisfied that Mr Baldwin understands this waiver.”
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Baldwin faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter, which is classified as a fourth-degree felony in New Mexico. Therefore, he could spend eighteen months in prison and a $5,000 fine if convicted. The second charge, which carries an additional firearms enhancement, would carry a mandatory five-year prison sentence if convicted.
However, the firearms upgrade was issued on Monday, as the law was not in effect at the time of the shooting. According to legal documents filed by Baldwin’s team, “The prosecutors in this case committed an unconstitutional and fundamental legal error by charging Mr. Baldwin under a statute that did not exist at the date of the accident.”
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The paper went on to say, “It therefore appears that the government intends to impose the current version of the gun enhancement statute, which was not enacted until May 18, 2022, seven months after the accident.”
“Therefore, the increase should not be binding,” the legal document states. “Applying the current version of the statute would be unconstitutionally retroactive, and the government has no legal basis to prosecute Mr. Baldwin under the version of the statute that existed at the time of the accident.”
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Nikas filed a notice to withdraw the motion, writing, “Given the government’s concession that its decision to impose the increased charge was wrongful in law, the Motion is now moot.”
However, Baldwin’s legal team is still taking action against the prosecution, adding, “The government nevertheless continued to issue statements to the media criticizing Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys for filing a dignified motion, stating that the government’s withdrawal was intended to ‘avoid interference with the law. further legal action by Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys’ and the prosecution’s priority is to ‘preserve justice, not guarantee billable hours for big city attorneys.’”
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The comments were in response to statements made by Heather Brewer, spokeswoman for New Mexico’s First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies.
“To avoid further litigation interference by Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys, the District Attorney and special prosecutor dropped the firearms enhancement to the involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust,” Brewer said. “The prosecution’s priority is getting justice, not securing billable hours for big-city lawyers.”
‘Rust’ Finds New Filming Location In Montana
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The Western will resume production this spring after finding a new home at the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana, Deadline reports. After departing from New Mexico, several locations in southern California were scouted before the producer of “Rust” settled on Montana as his new home.
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Yellowstone Film Ranch co-founders Richard Gray, Carter Boehm, and Colin Davis released a statement, saying, “The dedication and passion of the entire Rust production team to honor Halyna’s vision has been very moving to us. We have learned so much about Halyna as a friend and colleague, the depth of her art, and the lasting impact she has had on so many people. We are honored to play a role in realizing his vision and continue his inspiring legacy by championing this film.”
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Director Joel Souza, who was hospitalized during the deadly shooting of “Rust,” added, “I am so grateful to Richie, Carter, and Colin for the invitation to the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana. Their unwavering friendship, support and now partnership in completing Rust and honoring Halyna means the world to me and our entire production team. The beauty of Montana is beyond words, and the hospitality and kindness extended by everyone I’ve met has been humbling and inspiring. It’s been a privilege to work with great share because we see this on Halyna’s behalf.”
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Yellowstone Film Ranch opened in 2020 and has hosted several film productions, such as “The Old Way,” starring Nicolas Cage. Ironically, the film marks Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s first credit as a shield.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
