Alec Baldwin will answer manslaughter charges in court again over Rust gun death
A grand jury is expected to come together later today in the case against Alec Baldwin, with the actor facing the possibility of having to testify.
The 65-year-old fired a prop gun while filming Rust, which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin insists the incident was an accident and said he was unaware the prop had live bullets loaded.
Baldwin had been facing two involuntary manslaughter charges for the incident in October 2021, but they were dropped in April of this year. Now, a grand jury will listen to the prosecutor and witnesses and vote in secret on whether they believe there is enough evidence to charge Baldwin.
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Alec Baldwin is expected to appear before a grand jury (Getty Images)The grand jury process will be conducted privately behind closed doors, with no public or press access. Legal expert John Day explained how Baldwin will be given the chance to testify.
Alec Baldwin accused of 'wilful disregard for others' safety' before Rust death
"Alec Baldwin or any other target would have a chance to testify if they wanted to. Most of them don't," he told KOAT-TV. The expert added: "The defence does not get to participate, does not get to ask questions about the grand jury."
If Alec is found guilty, the charge could carry up to 18 months in prison. 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 was killed in the shooting (Getty Images for SAGindie)
Alec is the one who fired the gun (Getty Images)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.
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