Prosecutors in the 'Rust' shooting case claim that a combination of the 66-year-old actor's reckless behavior on set and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's inexperience led to the cinematographer's death.
- April 9, 2024
AceShowbiz - Prosecutors in Alec Baldwin's "Rust" shooting case allege that the actor exhibited uncontrolled emotions and reckless behavior on set, contributing to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. In a 32-page filing, prosecutor Kari Morrissey outlines a series of accusations against Baldwin.
Morrissey claims that Baldwin frequently shouted and cursed on set, creating an environment where safety protocols were compromised. "To watch Mr. Baldwin's conduct on the set of 'Rust' is to witness a man who has absolutely no control of his own emotions and absolutely no concern for how his conduct affects those around him," she writes.
According to prosecutors, Baldwin engaged in a pattern of deception and inconsistencies following the shooting. He initially claimed that he did not pull the trigger, but later changed his story, saying that Hutchins instructed him to point the gun at her. "Every time Mr. Baldwin spoke, a different version of events emerged from his mouth, and his later statements contradicted his previous statements," Morrissey states.
Baldwin's defense team is accused of engaging in "countless lies and manipulation" by presenting false or misleading information to prosecutors. They claim that defense attorneys fabricated a PowerPoint presentation to allege that Baldwin was not responsible for the shooting, and that he was merely a producer with no authority over the set.
Prosecutors reveal that they offered Baldwin a misdemeanor plea deal last year, but withdrew it upon discovering that he was planning a documentary about Hutchins and had been pressuring witnesses to participate. They believe Baldwin was attempting to minimize his culpability and undermine the prosecution's case.
The prosecution alleges that a combination of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's inexperience and Baldwin's recklessness led to Hutchins' death. They assert that Baldwin cocked the hammer of the gun and fired it despite not being instructed to do so, resulting in the fatal shot.
Baldwin's trial is scheduled to begin in July, and he faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison if convicted.
