Decision to prosecute Alec Baldwin is ‘terrible miscarriage of justice’ – attorney
The decision to prosecute Alec Baldwin in the death of Halyna Hutchins “represents a terrible miscarriage of justice,” the actor’s attorney said.
oth Baldwin and the film’s gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 death of Ms Hutchins on the set of the film Rust.
The decision was announced Thursday by New Mexico District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies in a written statement.
“After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew,” the statement said.
“During my tenure, no one is above the law and everyone deserves justice.”
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Baldwin faces involuntary manslaughter charges in the 2021 death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust (Santa Fe County Sheriff/PA)
In response to the announcement, Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel said: “This decision distorts the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins and constitutes a horrific miscarriage of justice.
“Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the film set.
“He relied on the professionals he worked with to reassure him that the gun had no live shots. We will fight these allegations and we will win.”
It comes less than three months after prosecutors received the final police report into the incident that led to Ms Hutchins’ death after a prop gun held by Baldwin was fired.
Rust director Joel Souza was also injured while filming at Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, Arizona.
Assistant director David Halls has signed an indictment for negligent use of a deadly weapon.
No charges will be brought for the non-fatal shooting of Souza, the prosecutor said.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/decision-to-prosecute-alec-baldwin-is-terrible-miscarriage-of-justice-lawyer-42300297.html Decision to prosecute Alec Baldwin is ‘terrible miscarriage of justice’ – attorney
