Alec Baldwin’s lawyer calls Rost’s shooting allegations ‘terrible miscarriage of justice’

UPDATED with more details and testimony from Hannah Gutierrez-Reed: After New Mexico’s First District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies charged Alec Baldwin with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the death of DP Halyna Hutchins. rustThe Oscar-nominated actor’s lawyer spoke out.

“This decision distorts the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins and is a terrible miscarriage of justice. Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere else on the film set. He relied on the professionals he worked with to assure him that the gun contained no live cartridges. We will fight these allegations and we will win,” said Alec Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel.

“He didn’t do any of the things he needed to do to make sure the people around him were safe,” Carmack-Altwies told CNN Thursday of Baldwin’s alleged negligence in handling the stun gun after the allegations became public. is. “They didn’t exercise due diligence … lack of care on this set,” she added.

“An actor doesn’t get a free pass just because he’s an actor,” the prosecutor continued, noting that Baldwin was charged as both an actor and a producer. Rust.

The district attorney said no effort was being made to arrest Baldwin and told Cable News that Baldwin’s camp was aware that charges were being filed.

Carmack-Altwies also attacked rust Gunsmith with two counts of manslaughter Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.

“Hannah is and has always been very emotional and sad about this tragic accident. But she did not commit negligent homicide,” Gutierrez-Reed attorney Jason Bowles said this morning.

“These allegations are the result of a deeply flawed investigation and a misunderstanding of the full facts. We intend to uncover the full truth and believe that Hannah will be cleared of wrongdoing by a jury.”

In response to Carmack-Altwies’ announcement, Hutchins family attorney Brian J. Panish said, “We would like to thank the Santa Fe Sheriff and District Attorney for completing their thorough investigation and determining that the allegations of negligence Killings for the assassination of Halyna Hutchins is acquitted of willful disregard for human life. Our independent research also confirms that the charges are justified. It is a comfort to the family that no one in New Mexico is above the law. We support the prosecution, will fully support this prosecution cooperates and prays that the justice system works to protect the public and hold those who break the law accountable.”

To not comment on this morning was the collective of rust Producers – Consisting of Ryan Donnell Smith, Ryan Winterstern, Anjul Nigam, Nathan Klingher, Matt DelPiano and Baldwin. They settled a wrongful-death lawsuit with the Hutchins estate in October, and Halyna Hutchin’s husband, Matthew Hutchins, became an EP on the revived production of rust when the cameras roll again.

The first charge of involuntary manslaughter carries 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine in the state of New Mexico. The second charge of negligent homicide in the commission of a lawful act requires proof that more than simple negligence was involved in a death. It is also a fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

“Halyna Hutchins would still be alive today if one of those three people – Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed or David Halls – had done his job. It’s that simple,” said Andrea Reeb, the special prosecutor assigned to the case by the DA. “The evidence clearly shows a pattern of criminal disregard for security on the ‘Rust’ film set. New Mexico has no place for movie sets that do not take our state’s commitment to gun safety and public safety seriously.”

According to prosecutors, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed face “alternative” manslaughter charges on the two counts, meaning a jury will not only decide whether they are guilty, but also under what definition of involuntary manslaughter they are guilty.

Assistant Director David Halls, who informed Baldwin that the prop gun that killed Hutchins was a “cold weapon,” signed a plea to the negligent use of a deadly weapon charge. The sentences include a suspended sentence and six months of probation.