Prosecutors in New Mexico are reportedly preparing to reinstate charges against actor Alec Baldwin for the tragic shooting incident on the set of the movie Rust in 2021.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Baldwin will be facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, and his case will be presented before a grand jury next month. Recent discussions of a potential plea deal have also taken place.
The decision to pursue charges against Baldwin comes after further investigation by prosecutors, who no longer believe that the gun involved in the incident had been modified. Additionally, new evidence has reportedly emerged, connecting the actor to reckless safety standards on the set.
In response to the news, Baldwin's attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, issued a statement expressing their disappointment with the prosecution's decision. They stated, "It is unfortunate that a terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution. We will answer any charges in court."
If convicted, Baldwin could face a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison.
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey emphasized the importance of allowing a grand jury to decide whether the case should proceed. "We believe that based on our lengthy and detailed investigation, it is appropriate for a grand jury in New Mexico to make a decision on whether the case should proceed," Morrissey told NBC News.
Charges against Baldwin were initially dropped earlier this year by Morrissey and Jason Lewis, citing "new facts" in the case. However, they made it clear that this decision did not absolve Baldwin of criminal culpability and that charges could be refiled.
The shooting incident occurred on the set of Rust in October 2021 when a revolver that Baldwin was handling discharged, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin has maintained that he did not pull the trigger, but an FBI analysis concluded otherwise. The shooting also injured director Joel Souza.
While Baldwin's charges were dropped, Rust weapons armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed still faces charges of involuntary manslaughter.
The upcoming grand jury proceedings will determine the fate of Baldwin's case and shed further light on the events that unfolded on the set of Rust.
Login