A new and interesting development regarding the tragedy of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins who was shot and killed in Rust’s movie set by the main actor and producer Alec Baldwin. According to “new facts” Baldwin’s charges have been dropped.
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins Was Shot and Killed by a Prop GunAlec Baldwin’s criminal charges dropped
The criminal charges have been dropped against Alec Baldwin over a fatal on-set shooting in October 2021. A reminder: Cinematographer and Hollywood’s rising star, Halyna Hutchins, was killed by a prop gun on the set of ‘Rust’. The actor who pulled the trigger is Alec Baldwin who was also the producer. Serge Svetnoy, the gaffer and a close friend of Hutchins claimed, like many others, that the accident occurred as a result of negligence and unprofessionalism by the producers. Nevertheless, accoutering to a ‘new fact’, Alec Baldwin’s criminal charges have been dropped.
Halyna Hutchins and Serge Svetnoy. Picture: Serge SvetnoyThe gun “had been modified with a new trigger”
The development comes less than two weeks before a trial begins. New Mexico special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis released a statement that “Over the last few days… new facts were revealed” in the case, requiring further investigation. A lawyer for Mr. Baldwin praised the move by prosecutors and stated: ”We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident”. Furthermore, according to the LA Times, prosecutors had recently learned that the gun used in the shooting, a .45 Colt revolver, had been modified with a new trigger in a way that could have made a misfire more likely. Throughout the investigation, Baldwin maintained that he did not pull the gun trigger. The actor and producer originally said he had pulled the hammer of the gun back as far as he could and released it but did not pull the trigger.
Cinematographer Halyna HutchinsHutchins’ widower is now Rust’s executive producer
There are a few more interesting outcomes: According to Variety magazine, Mr. Baldwin is currently filming Rust on location in Montana. Furthermore, Hutchins’ widower, Matthew, will be an executive producer. Baldwin last October reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by her family. Moreover, Rust’s productions, which Baldwin is part of, said in February the scene that was being rehearsed when Hutchins was shot has now been rewritten.
I’ve been following this case from the beginning and so was quite interested when I heard about the gun alteration. However, nowhere on the internet can I find “Who” determined that the gun was altered; was it the defense or someone they hired to examine the firearm? Was it the prosecution? Also, it seems odd that the FBI lab examined the gun over a year ago and stated it was fully functional and all safety features were operational. And so, just a few weeks before the trial all of a sudden “new evidence” is discovered that contradicts one of the most modern forensics labs in the country. If anyone can direct me to a website that identifies who examined the firearm the second time I’d appreciate it.