Alec Baldwin Going To Jail? Prosecutor Is Announcing Charges Now
Alec Baldwin is facing two charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Halyna Hutchins.
Controversial actor Alec Baldwin may face over five years in jail after being charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during production on the movie Rust. According to NBC, the Hunt for Red October actor is being charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, which is a fourth-degree felony and normally accompanies up to 18 months imprisonment and a fine of $5,000. However, it is likely that a firearm enhancement charge may also be added, which would cause Alec Baldwin to face a mandatory five years of jail.
Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot 15 months ago in an accident that occurred while Alec Baldwin was rehearsing with a Pietta .45 Colt revolver that was used as a prop. The gun accidentally discharged, fatally hitting Hutchins and director Joel Souza; the event caused shockwaves throughout the film industry, prompting some studios and filmmakers to disavow the use of modified prop guns entirely and raising questions about workplace safety. Now that Alec Baldwin is facing criminal charges and jail time, it will likely only cause further discussion.
In addition to Alec Baldwin facing criminal charges and possible jail time, Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was also charged by New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. According to CNN, Carmack-Altwies has stated that she intends to prosecute regardless of whether or not the incident was accidental, saying the New Mexico “involuntary manslaughter statute covers unintentional killings, unintentional homicides.”
The District Attorney also went on to say of the production of the film Rust that “[t]his was a really fast and loose set… nobody was doing their job. There were three people, that if they had done their job that day, this tragedy wouldn’t have happened.” Carmack-Altwies was referencing Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, and assistant director David Halls; the latter has already entered a plea agreement for the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon. He will receive a suspended sentence and six months of probation, while Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez Reed will both potentially be facing jail time.
Alec Baldwin’s lawyer Luke Nikas has already described the New Mexico authorities’ decision to criminally prosecute the actor as a “terrible miscarriage of justice,” and that Baldwin was unaware that there was a live bullet in the gun and had no reason to believe that his rehearsal would have this effect.
Prior to the criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and possible jail time, there have been several different civil suits related to the Rust shooting. Halyna Hutchins’ family filed a wrongful death suit against Alec Baldwin, David Halls, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, prop master Sarah Zachry, and other individuals from the production, which was settled in October 2022. Production on Rust is expected to move forward this month, with the continuation of the film receiving both criticism and support from various corners. We will continue to update you with news as it emerges.
