Alec Baldwin is now facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter for the tragic death of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
On Monday, Santa Fe prosecutors decided to drop the firearms enhancement charge against the actor, which would have carried a much longer prison sentence. Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed also had the firearms charge dropped and now faces the same sentence as Baldwin.
Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed are set to appear in court this week, but it’s important to remember that they have not been convicted of any charges. It’s a difficult situation for all involved, and we must allow the legal process to play out.
According to a statement by the spokesperson for the New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney’s office, Heather Brewer, the decision to drop the firearm enhancement charge against Alec Baldwin in the Halyna Hutchins case was made to avoid further legal delays. The priority of the prosecution is to ensure justice is served, not to provide more billable hours for lawyers from big cities.
In January, Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in relation to the shooting incident that led to the death of Halyna Hutchins.
The remaining charge against Baldwin is involuntary manslaughter, which requires the prosecution to prove underlying negligence.
Additionally, Baldwin faces a misdemeanor charge for negligent use of a firearm. Involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony under New Mexico law, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. It’s important to let the legal process play out to ensure a fair and just outcome.
The charge that was dropped is involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act. This charge requires proof that there was more than simple negligence involved in a death.
This is also a fourth-degree felony punishable by up to 18 months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. This charge includes a firearm enhancement, or added mandatory penalty, because a firearm was involved. The firearm enhancement makes the crime punishable by a mandatory five years in jail.