On Thursday, “Rust” special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis revealed that they plan to drop two counts of involuntary manslaughter facing Alec Baldwin for the October 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Despite the conflicting reports, the special prosecutor clarified that “Rust” shield Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will still face charges and there is still a possibility that Baldwin will face criminal charges again as the investigation continues.
‘Rusty’ Prosecutor Warns Alec Baldwin May Still Face Criminal Charges Pending Further Investigation
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Special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis were appointed by the Santa Fe District Attorney last month to take over the prosecution; however, they surprised everyone on Thursday when they announced that they planned to drop two counts of involuntary manslaughter against Alec Baldwin.
However, on Thursday night, the special prosecutor released a statement (via Deadline ) explaining that they dismissed the charges without prejudice, meaning that the actor could still potentially face charges in the future as law enforcement officials continue to investigate the fatal shooting of the cinematographer. Halyna Hutchins.
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Statements from two “Rust” prosecutors read:
“Over the past few days and in preparation for the preliminary hearing on May 3, 2023, new facts have come to light that demand further investigation and forensic analysis in the case against Alexander ‘Alec’ Rae Baldwin, III. As a result, we cannot proceed under the current time constraints and based on the facts and evidence submitted by law enforcement as they stand. Therefore, we will dismiss the charge of involuntary manslaughter against Mr. Baldwin for further investigation. This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal wrongdoing and charges can be refiled. Our follow-up investigation will remain active and ongoing.”
They also explained that charges have not been dropped against armorer “Rust” Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who claimed that she didn’t even check the gun before using it to practice at the scene. “The charges against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed remain unchanged,” prosecutors said Thursday night.
A virtual status hearing has been set for Friday, April 21, in Santa Fe before Judge Mary Marlow Sommer, who has handled the case thus far. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for the first week of May and will likely continue with the charges against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
Baldwin Legal Team ‘Happy’ That Charges Have Been Dropped Against Baldwin… For Now
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In a statement, Baldwin’s attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said, “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin, and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident.”
Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys, Jason Bowles and Todd Bullion, said, “The new special prosecutor team has taken a very diligent and thorough approach to the entire investigation, which we welcome and always welcome.”
“They are looking for the truth and so are we. The truth about what happened will be revealed and the question we have been searching for for a long time will be answered,” they continued. “We fully expect at the end of this process that Hannah will also be released.”
‘Rust’ To Resume Filming In Montana This Week
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Although production on the Western was put on hold in October 2021 following the death of Halyna Hutchins, the film is scheduled to resume at the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana this week.
A spokesperson for the film told CNN that filming is scheduled to resume on Thursday, April 20, the same day that prosecutors decided to announce they were dropping charges against Baldwin.
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Halyna’s husband, Matthew Hutchins, will serve as an executive producer on the new film after reaching a settlement in her wrongful death lawsuit last October. He has reportedly given his “blessing and support” to new cinematographer Bianca Cline, who has worked on the critically acclaimed “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.”
Melina Spadone, Attorney for Rust Movie Productions, has stated that the scene in the church leading to the death of Halyna Hutchins was rewritten. In addition, the crew will not use any working weapons.
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“The production will continue to use union crew and will prevent any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition,” Spadone told Entertainment Tonight earlier this week. “Ammunition is – and has always been – prohibited on set.”
It remains unclear how the live bullet ended up on the film set, or more importantly, how it ended up in the gun Baldwin was holding to practice the scene. That is likely a matter that awaits further investigation by the special prosecutor before they decide whether or not to prosecute.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/