Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges in connection with the death of a young woman shot on the set of a low-budget Western, according to court documents filed in the United States on Wednesday.
Baldwin, the film’s producer and star, was indicted in January for his role in the 2021 death of Halyna Hutchins while filming the period piece “Rust” in New Mexico.
He was holding a Colt. 45 when it went off, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Baldwin has continually denied guilt, claiming he did not pull the trigger on the gun, which was not supposed to be loaded with live ammunition.
The event sent shockwaves through Hollywood, prompting calls for stricter laws regarding the use of firearms on movie sets.
However, it also sparked charges of shoddy management, with some in the industry claiming that laws were already strict and had simply not been followed throughout the production of “Rust.”
Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, have requested a speedy trial in order to “minimize public vilification and suspicion and to avoid the hazards of proving his innocence that often arise after a lengthy delay in prosecution.”
Baldwin was scheduled to appear online at the state district court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for an arraignment on Thursday, but his lawyers submitted a waiver that included his plea of not guilty.
Baldwin, 65, had his initial manslaughter charges dismissed in April of last year owing to what prosecutors called “new facts” that required “further investigation and forensic analysis.”
That resulted in the formation of a grand jury, which finally issued the indictment he is now facing — which could land him in jail for up to 18 months if convicted.
Baldwin faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter: one for “negligent use of a firearm” and one for acting “without due caution or circumspection.”
The jury will decide whether he should be convicted on one or both counts.
The allegations are related to the action, not the oversight of the film, which means he is being held accountable as an actor rather than as a producer.
SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, denounced the allegations, saying they were based on “an incorrect assessment of the actual duties of an actor.”
“An actor’s job is not to be a firearms or weapons expert,” the union stated. “Firearms are provided for use on set under the guidance of multiple expert professionals directly responsible for the safe and accurate operation of that firearm.”
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer (the person in charge of supplying and maintaining weapons), is scheduled to go on trial this month on accusations of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence.
Dave Halls, the film’s safety coordinator and assistant director who delivered Baldwin the loaded revolver, reached a plea agreement with prosecutors and was sentenced to six months of probation.
The filming of “Rust” was delayed by the tragedy but resumed last year.
Matthew Hutchins, the cinematographer’s widower, participated as an executive producer on the picture after previously settling a wrongful death action with “Rust” producers.
Director Souza also returned, stating that while finishing the film will be “bittersweet,” the cast and crew “are committed to finishing what Halyna and I started.”
Baldwin remains free on bail.Alec Baldwin