Post by printo316 on Mar 10, 2024 20:27:44 GMT -5
On October 21, 2021, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Bonanza City, New Mexico, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot and director Joel Souza was injured on the set of the film Rust when a live round was discharged from a revolver used as a prop by actor Alec Baldwin.
The incident was investigated by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, the New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney, the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On January 31, 2023, the Santa Fe district attorney charged Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed with two counts each of involuntary manslaughter. First assistant director David Halls agreed to plead guilty to the charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon. On February 23, 2023, Baldwin pleaded not guilty and on April 20, 2023, it was reported that prosecutors had informed Baldwin that the charges against him were being dropped. On June 22, 2023, Gutierrez-Reed was additionally charged with tampering with evidence and on August 9, 2023, she pleaded not guilty to both charges. Her trial took place from February 21 to March 6, 2024. On January 19, 2024, Baldwin was indicted again with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Halyna Hutchins and on January 31, 2024, he pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled on July 9 through July 19, 2024. On March 6, 2024, Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
The incident prompted a public discussion on occupational safety in the film industry, the treatment of its employees, and the use of real guns as props.