While on the set of the upcoming Western movie Rust, Alec Baldwin fired a shot from a seeming prop gun, accidentally firing a round at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. She died in a New Mexico hospital shortly after.
Baldwin, the classic Beetlejuice star, Was given a seeming prop gun for shooting a scene in a small church. During rehearsal, Baldwin fired the gun, and a bullet struck Hutchins and grazed the movie’s director, Joel Souza. Luke Nikas, the attorney defending Baldwin, released a statement regarding the pending case, “Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set. He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win.” The professional mentioned was armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was also charged with unintentional manslaughter. If charged, either could face up to 18 months in prison.
An attorney for Gutierrez-Reed also vowed to prove his client isn’t culpable.
“She did not commit involuntary manslaughter,” Jason Bowles said in a statement. “These charges are the result of a very flawed investigation and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts. We intend to bring the full truth to light and believe Hannah will be exonerated of wrongdoing by a jury.
Melina Spadone, the lawyer for Rust Movie Productions, confirmed the film will continue production in 2023, although the crew will not be returning to New Mexico. Alec Baldwin will remain in his star role, and Joel Souza is expected to return to directing.
