A new forensic report suggests Alec Baldwin pulled the trigger on the revolver that killed ‘Rust’ cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021, contradicting the actor’s denial and raising the possibility of new charges. according to People.
The involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin was dropped in April when prosecutors investigated his allegation that the Colt revolver he was holding during a rehearsal was fired without him pulling the trigger, killing Hutchins and Director Joel Souza was injured.
The new report, prepared by firearms experts Lucien Haag and Mike Haag for New Mexico prosecutors in the manslaughter case against “Rust” gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, concluded the trigger had to be “pulled.” , so that the weapon could be fired.
“Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, based on the tests, findings and observations reported herein, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.” That’s what the experts said in the report, according to People.
“This fatal incident resulted from the hammer being manually retracted to its fully rearward and cocked position and at some point then the trigger being pulled or pushed back,” the report continues.
When prosecutors dropped Baldwin’s charges, they said they might reconsider the decision after further analysis of the gun.
“If the gun is determined not to have malfunctioned, the charges against Mr Baldwin will continue.” wrote prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis in a June court filing.
Seth Little/Associated Press
Baldwin told ABC News in December 2021, who “did not pull the trigger” and “never pointed a gun at anyone” and fired. In later interviews, he stuck with the story.
The FBI came to similar conclusions as the new report in 2022, saying the revolver could not have been fired without pulling the trigger. ABC News reported at the time.
