In a dramatic twist, actor Alec Baldwin is facing renewed manslaughter charges for the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a New Mexico film set in 2021. A grand jury indictment released Friday accuses Baldwin of two counts of involuntary manslaughter, putting him back in the legal spotlight for the tragic incident.
Hutchins was fatally struck by a real bullet fired from a prop gun held by Baldwin on October 21st, 2021, during a rehearsal for the Western film "Rust." Director Joel Souza also suffered injuries in the shooting.
This marks the second time Baldwin has been charged in the case. Initial involuntary manslaughter charges were filed in January 2023 but later dropped in April. However, new evidence and testimony presented to the grand jury have led to the revival of the case.
The indictment outlines two versions of involuntary manslaughter:
Negligent Use of a Firearm: This charge alleges that Baldwin's "unlawful act" of negligent firearm handling directly caused Hutchins' death.
Disregard for Safety: The alternative charge accuses Baldwin of acting with reckless disregard for the safety of others, putting lives at risk and ultimately resulting in Hutchins' death.
Both charges are considered fourth-degree felonies in New Mexico, carrying a potential sentence of up to three years in prison. The indictment mentions that the renewed charges are based on statements from various crew members, including Ross Addiego, who also filed a lawsuit against Baldwin, as well as investigators involved in the case.
Baldwin's lawyers have maintained his innocence, and he is expected to plead not guilty. The legal battle ahead promises to be complex and closely watched, raising questions about gun safety on film sets and the potential consequences of accidental shootings.
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