17 October 2023 , 18:43
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New Mexico prosecutors investigating the fatal Rust shooting "intend to recharge" Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter, according to sources.
The actor fired a prop gun while filming the Western movie which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Alec insists the incident was an accident and said he was unaware the prop had live bullets loaded.
The 65-year-old had been facing two involuntary manslaughter charges for the incident in October 2021, but they were dropped in April of this year. Sources now claim the case will be brought before a grand jury in mid-November.
READ MORE: Alec Baldwin 'very anxious about jail potential' for death of Rust cinematographer
Alec Baldwin had two involuntary manslaughter charges dropped (PA)Speaking to NBC News, the sources claim there have been recent discussions of a plea deal. If Alec is found guilty, the charge could carry up to 18 months in prison. The Mirror has approached Alec's representatives for comment.
Alec Baldwin accused of 'wilful disregard for others' safety' before Rust death
Speaking about the possibility of Alec being charged, his lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro told The Mirror: "It is unfortunate that a terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution. We will answer any charges in court."
The fatal incident on the set of Rust in 2021 occurred as Alec discharged a prop gun, which also injured the film's director Joel Souza. The crew had been inside a small church during setup for filming a scene.
Halyna Hutchins died in the fatal shooting (Instagram)Halyna, 42, was airlifted to hospital from the New Mexico set, but died of her injuries. Both Baldwin and the film's armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were initially charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter over Halyna's death.
Alec has always maintained that he did not pull the trigger on the gun. "I feel that someone is responsible for what happened, and I can't say who that is, but I know it's not me,” Baldwin said in an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos in December 2021.
When the involuntary manslaughter charges were dropped earlier this year, prosecutors said the gun might have been modified before the shooting and malfunctioned. However, a gun analysis report commissioned by special prosecutors in August found that the gun had not been modified.
Prior to the charges being dropped, the Santa Fe District Attorney who charged Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter announced she was to step aside from the lawsuit. Her statement said she was stepping down in order to "focus on broader public safety needs" in the state of New Mexico.