Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to his indictment for voluntary manslaughter, following the tragic accident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, on the set of the western Rust. The actor refused the virtual hearing scheduled for Friday, preferring to plead in writing. He faces up to eighteen months in prison if convicted.
On Monday, prosecutors in New Mexico dropped the aggravating circumstance of weapon use, saying it did not apply because the incident took place before the related law was passed. If this circumstance had been maintained, the actor, as well as the gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed both faced up to five years in prison.
Criminal negligence
New Mexico prosecutors have charged Baldwin with "criminal negligence." His lawyer Luke Nikas replied: "He relied on the professionals he worked with, who assured him that the weapon had no live ammunition."
For her part, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is scheduled to appear in court this Friday. As for the shooting of the film, it can resume according to an agreement reached between the producers and the husband of the victim.
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