More than a year after cinematographer Alina Hutchins was killed after being shot on the set of the movie "Rust", an indictment was filed last night (Tuesday) against Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter.
An indictment for the same count was also filed against Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film's gunsmith.
The prosecution in the trial claims that the 64-year-old actor was busy on his cell phone while undergoing shooting training for the filming of the scene in which he shot at Hutchins, in addition to numerous incidents of irresponsible behavior he exhibited on the set.
It was also claimed that the conduct on the set of the western film regarding safety in the use of weapons was chaotic, negligent and irresponsible.
"Had he performed the mandatory safety checks with the person responsible for the weapon, the tragedy would have been avoided," reads the indictment filed against the esteemed actor.
If convicted, Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed each face a potential sentence of 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine, along with the possibility of a firearms conviction, which could add up to 5 years to their cumulative sentences.
According to reports in the United States, the trial will be conducted before a jury.
Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie "Rust", photo: AFP.
As you may recall, the fatal accident that resulted in the death of Hutchins and the injury of the film's director, Joel Souza, occurred in October 2021. During the local sheriff's investigation, it emerged that Baldwin, who also serves as one of the film's producers, was given a weapon by an assistant director who told him "cold firearms", That is - weapons without live bullets.
Despite the words of the assistant director, in the investigation carried out later it turned out that the gun indeed had a live bullet, which Baldwin fired at the camera and hit Hutchins.
The actor himself previously denied that he was the one who pulled the trigger and shot at Hutchins.
Baldwin talking on the phone after the shooting, on the set of the movie, photo: AP.
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