Alec Baldwin's team slam 'miscarriage of justice' after manslaughter charge

19 January 2023 , 17:03

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Alec Baldwin's team slam 'miscarriage of justice' after manslaughter charge

Alec Baldwin's lawyers have spoken out after he was charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Halyna Hutchins, 42, was killed on the set of Rust in October 2021 when Alec discharged a prop gun, believing it was not live.

The incident also saw director Joel Souza injured.

Now, the 64-year-old is to be charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Halyna who died after being airlifted to hospital from the film set in New Mexico.

The New Mexico District Attorney stated that as well as Baldwin, the film's head armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will also face two charges of involuntary manslaughter which carries a maximum prison sentence of 18 months.

Alec Baldwin accused of 'wilful disregard for others' safety' before Rust death

Alec Baldwin's lawyers have claimed his charge "represents a terrible miscarriage of justice" (Getty Images for National Geogra)

However, Alec's lawyers have now hit out at this, claiming the charge "represents a terrible miscarriage of justice".

In a statement, Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel said: "This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins' tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice.

"Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set.

Halyna Hutchins died as a result after Alec Baldwin discharged a prop firearm which misfired (Getty Images for SAGindie)

"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."

Assistant director David Halls has signed a plea agreement for the charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon, the District Attorney has said.

However, no charges will be brought forward in regards to the non-fatal shooting of Souza, with the District Attorney for New Mexico, Mary Carmack-Altwies saying: "After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew.

Baldwin now faces up to 18 months behind bars after the charge (Getty Images)

"On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice."

The decision to charge Balwdin comes less than three months after the District Attorney's office received the final report from police in relation to the incident which ultimately led to the death of Halyna Hutchins.

Meanwhile, prosecutor Andrea Reeb said: "If any one of these three people, Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed or David Halls, had done their job, Halyna Hutchins would be alive today, it's that simple.

"The evidence clearly shows a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the Rust film set. In New Mexico, there is no room for film sets that don't take our state's commitment to gun safety and public safety seriously.

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Daniel Bird