Fatal shot on film set: Public prosecutor wants new charges against Alec Baldwin Attack on hospital in Gaza Strip: the most important questions and answers

Two years after the death of a camerawoman in a shooting accident on the set of the western ‘Rust’, the incident may still have legal consequences for protagonist and producer Alec Baldwin (65). The prosecutor in the US state of New Mexico wants to start a new criminal case against Baldwin. The case should be presented to a grand jury within the next two months, special prosecutors said on Tuesday (local time). In the United States, a grand jury investigates crimes after the prosecutor presents evidence and decides whether to file charges.

After “extensive investigations” in recent months, additional facts have come to light that they believe show Baldwin is criminally liable, special investigators Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis wrote in the statement. The Hollywood star initially did not comment publicly on this development. However, his attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, wrote in a statement that it was unfortunate that a “terrible tragedy” was turned into a “misguided prosecution.”

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally injured while filming the western ‘Rust’ at a movie ranch in Santa Fe in October 2021. Director Joel Souza also suffered a gunshot wound. Baldwin, who starred in and produced the film, was using a gun while rehearsing a scene when a shot was fired. There was a real bullet in the Colt. It is unclear how the live ammunition ended up on the set.

Baldwin and weapons master Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were charged with involuntary manslaughter in January, and charges against Baldwin were initially dropped in April. It was said at the time that further investigation and forensic analysis was needed. Gutierrez-Reed remains in court and her trial is scheduled for 2024. Both have always denied responsibility for the fatal accident.

Baldwin emphasized in interviews that he did not pull the trigger. The researchers examined, among other things, whether a possible malfunction of the weapon could have activated the weapon. A report by two firearms experts published in August placed new charges against the actor. “Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, based on the tests, findings and observations reported here, the trigger must have been pulled or depressed sufficiently to free the revolver’s hammer from being fully cocked or retracted,” quotes People magazine. ‘ report. (sda/dpa)