Alec Baldwin manslaughter charge to be dropped in Fatal ‘Rust’ Shooting

With less than two weeks before a mini-trial is scheduled to begin in New Mexico over the October 2021 ‘Rust’ set shooting, all charges against Alec Baldwin are to be dropped, for now.

In late 2021, Alec Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter for his role in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Earlier in February, the special prosecutor dropped the firearms enhancement charge from the case as well.

Remaining charges

The enhancement charge was also dropped against the former armorer for ‘Rust’, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who initially faced the same charges as Baldwin. While Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter charge is in the process of being dropped, Reed still faces the charge.

Since Reed still has a charge against her the case will continue keeping the probe open and retaining subpoena power for prosecutors going forward. Both she and Baldwin had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

“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,” Baldwin attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said in a statement.

Baldwin has long insisted that he did not pull the trigger on the 1880s prop gun that killed the director of photography. FBI however disagrees on the matter in a report released last year.

Last month Baldwin’s lawyers contested the state of the gun, meaning further investigation into the firearm will likely take place.

What’s next for ‘Rust’?

The ‘Rust’ film will continue after the set was moved from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Montana. Filming is set to pick back up again sometime in April. Earlier this month Deadline reported that production was still casting several roles.

Production recently filled the role of a young boy named Jacob Hollister. The description for the character reads as “a smart, sweet little boy who knows nothing of the world other than what his older brother Lucas has created for him. Lucas is all Jacob has in the world.”

The start date for the actor was slated to be April 23, 2023. Baldwin remains in his initial lead role in the film.

If the production dates follow the schedule, ‘Rust’ filming will continue into the two-week preliminary trial hearing for Baldwin and Reed’s case, which begins on May 3.