Alec Baldwin fired shot that killed one, wounded another on film set

[bill barilko]

It is possible for a cocked firearm to malfunction and discharge with either no or very little external stimulus. A cocked gun can actually fire itself, if the mechansim is faulty or damaged or worn.

Or been deliberately modified.

It's interesting to see how the narrative has shifted when this first happened New Mexico was portrayed in the media as some backwoods jurisdiction with limited resources and next to no law enforcement; instead what we see is a modern well planned well funded response from the state.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Or been deliberately modified.

It's interesting to see how the narrative has shifted when this first happened New Mexico was portrayed in the media as some backwoods jurisdiction with limited resources and next to no law enforcement; instead what we see is a modern well planned well funded response from the state.

The two aren't incompatible. I haven't followed the particulars of this case, but there is a lot of New Mexico that's pretty damn backwoods (for values of "woods" = desert), and the sheriff's office is hardly a model of modern, well-funded efficiency. They will be the "first responders."

When Santa Fe (the capital) gets involved, you're bringing the resources and expertise of a modern state into the picture.

 

[spaminator]

Alec Baldwin wants prosecutor in on-set death case dropped
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Published Feb 07, 2023 • 1 minute read

SANTA FE, N.M. — Defence attorneys for actor Alec Baldwin are seeking to disqualify the special prosecutor in the case against him stemming from the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on a New Mexico film set.








In a motion filed Tuesday in Santa Fe-based district court, Baldwin’s legal team said Andrea Reeb’s position as a state lawmaker prohibits her under state law from holding any authority in a judicial capacity.


Reeb is “exercising either the executive power or the judicial power, and her continued service as a special prosecutor is unconstitutional,” Baldwin’s team argued in the motion.

Reeb, a Republican, was elected to the state House of Representatives in November and started her term last month.

The office of Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies dismissed the idea that Reeb would be disqualified. In a statement, the office characterized the motion as nothing but a legal diversion.

“Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys can use whatever tactics they want to distract from the fact that Halyna Hutchins died because of gross negligence and a reckless disregard for safety on the ‘Rust’ film set,” the office wrote in the statement.


Baldwin and film-set weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are scheduled to make their first court appearance by video conference in late February. Both have been charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Hutchins died shortly after being wounded during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021. Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza.

A manslaughter charge can be brought if a defendant killed while doing something lawful but dangerous and was acting negligently or without caution.

Alec Baldwin wants prosecutor in on-set death case dropped

Defence attorneys for Alec Baldwin are seeking to disqualify the special prosecutor in the "Rust" shooting case.

torontosun.com

 

[spaminator]

Parents of dead cinematographer sue Alec Baldwin over 'Rust' shooting
Actor settled separate wrongful-death lawsuit brought by Halyna Hutchins' husband in October

Author of the article:Reuters
Reuters
Published Feb 09, 2023 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read

The parents and sister of Halyna Hutchins are suing actor Alec Baldwin and others over the cinematographer’s 2021 death in New Mexico during the filming of the Western ‘Rust’, the family’s lawyer said on Thursday.


The announcement comes after a Santa Fe prosecutor on Jan. 31 charged Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter, accusing him of reckless disregard for safety when a revolver he was holding fired a live round that killed Hutchins and injured ‘Rust’ director Joel Souza.


Set armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed also was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case.

Baldwin in October settled a separate wrongful-death lawsuit brought by Hutchins’ husband Matt Hutchins over the fatal shooting on a film set outside Santa Fe.

Attorney Gloria Allred, representing Hutchins’ parents and sister, said she would provide details of the new lawsuit at a news conference in Los Angeles later Thursday.

Luke Nikas, a lawyer representing Baldwin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


Under Matt Hutchins’ settlement with Baldwin and the producers of ‘Rust’, filming of the movie was set to resume in early 2023 with Hutchins serving as executive producer, Baldwin remaining in the lead role of ‘Harland Rust’, and Souza directing.

At the time, Matt Hutchins said he had no interest in attributing blame to Baldwin or the ‘Rust’ producers for the fatal shooting, and called his wife’s death “a terrible accident.”

In a 2021 television interview Baldwin said Hutchins directed him where to point the gun and to cock it. He said the revolver fired when he let go of the hammer and he did not pull the trigger.

“I would never point a gun at anyone and pull the trigger, that was the training that I had,” Baldwin told ABC News.

An FBI forensic test of the reproduction Pietta long Colt .45 revolver found that it functioned “normally” and would not fire without the trigger being pulled.

Parents of dead cinematographer sue Alec Baldwin over 'Rust' shooting

The parents and sister of Halyna Hutchins are suing actor Alec Baldwin and others over the cinematographer's 2021 death in New Mexico.

torontosun.com

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Terrible civil procedure. What kind of lawyers does this rich guy have?

 

[spaminator]

Alec Baldwin says part of shooting charge unconstitutional
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Andrew Dalton
Published Feb 10, 2023 • 3 minute read

Alec Baldwin on Friday asked a judge in New Mexico to dismiss a five-year firearm sentencing enhancement in the charges against him, saying it is unconstitutionally based on a law passed after the shooting on the set of the film “Rust.”


“The prosecutors committed a basic legal error by charging Mr. Baldwin under a version of the firearm-enhancement statute that did not exist on the date of the accident,” a court filing from Baldwin’s attorneys said.


Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor on the set of the Western, were charged last month with felony involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Hutchins died shortly after being wounded during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021. Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza. Hutchins’ parents and sister filed a lawsuit over the shooting Thursday, after a similar suit filed by her husband and son was settled.


Baldwin’s attorneys also filed a motion on Tuesday to disqualify the special prosecutor in the case, asserting that her position as a state lawmaker constitutionally prohibits her from holding any authority in a judicial capacity.

Baldwin’s legal team is mounting an aggressive legal fight against the charges before he has even made his initial court appearance, which is scheduled to take place by videoconference later this month. Baldwin has not been arrested.

“Another day, another motion from Alec Baldwin and his attorneys in an attempt to distract from the gross negligence and complete disregard for safety on the ‘Rust’ film set that led to Halyna Hutchins’ death,” district attorney’s spokeswoman Heather Brewer said in an email.


She added that the prosecution team “will review all motions — even those given to the media before being served to the DA. However, the DA’s and the special prosecutor’s focus will always remain on ensuring that justice is served and that everyone — even celebrities with fancy attorneys — is held accountable under the law.”

The manslaughter charges against Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed include two alternative standards and sets of penalties, and a jury can decide which to pursue, according to prosecutors.

One version would require proof of negligence, which is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine under New Mexico law.

The second alternative is reckless disregard of safety “without due caution and circumspection.” It carries a higher threshold of wrongdoing and includes the gun enhancement that could result in a mandatory five years in prison.


But legal experts said Baldwin has a strong chance of seeing it thrown out.

“This is a violation of the ex post facto clause of the constitution,” said Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers. “The government can’t pass a law and retroactively punish someone under that law. The judge is likely going to toss that enhancement and so Baldwin is just looking at a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail.”

In court documents, the district attorney’s office said reckless safety failures accompanied the film production from the outset, and that Baldwin’s “deviation from known standards, practices and protocol directly caused” Hutchins’ death.

They cited Baldwin’s failure as an actor to appear for mandatory firearms training prior to filming and his decision as a producer to work with Gutierrez-Reed, who was an uncertified and inexperienced armorer.

Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas said when the charges were announced that they were “a terrible miscarriage of justice.” He said Baldwin relied on the professionals with whom he worked and “had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun.”

— Associated Press writers Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contributed to this report.

Alec Baldwin says part of shooting charge unconstitutional

Alec Baldwin on Friday asked a judge in New Mexico to dismiss a five-year firearm sentencing enhancement in the charges against him.

torontosun.com

 

[The_Foxer]

Whatever. You shot and killed someone by being reckless and with no care for their safety and you deserve to rot in jail you ignorant piece of crap.

 

[harrylee]

 

[spaminator]

'Rust' will resume filming in the spring, says director

Production was paused in 2021 after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when prop gun held by Alec Baldwin went off

Author of the article:Bang Showbiz
Bang Showbiz
Published Feb 14, 2023 • 1 minute read

Rust will resume filming in the spring.


The production was paused in 2021 after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when a prop gun went off on the set of the movie.


But producers have now confirmed that filming will resume later this year.

“Though bittersweet, I am grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team joining former cast and crew are committed to completing what Halyna and I started,” Director Joel Souza, who was injured in the shooting, said in a statement.

“My every effort on this film will be devoted to honouring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.”

A documentary about Hutchins’ life is also in the works. The project will include the completion of the movie and is being developed with the support of her husband.


Alec Baldwin – charged with involuntary manslaughter in January – will also return to complete the movie.

However, filming is being moved from New Mexico to another location, according to Sky News.

Baldwin, 64, previously vowed to “fight” his involuntary manslaughter charge.

“This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice,” Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel, said in a statement.

“Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set. He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds.”

The Hollywood star has always denied any wrongdoing, and he’s determined to clear his name.

His attorney added: “We will fight these charges, and we will win.”

The actor and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s head armourer, are facing the same charge and they will both face a maximum of five years in prison if they are found guilty.

Alec Baldwin Rust shooting: Details of film restart announced - with documentary about cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' life also in the works

Rust producer and star Alec Baldwin will return to the film, Sky News understands, with director Joel Souza also back at the helm. Rust Movie Productions has also announced details of the cinematographer who will complete the work started by Halyna Hutchins before her death.

news.sky.com

'Rust' will resume filming in the spring, says director

Director Joel Souza has confirmed that 'Rust' will resume filming this year.

torontosun.com

 

[harrylee]

I love how they say "cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when a prop gun went off on the set of the movie."

Yeah, OK....it just "went off"......lol

 

[petros]

"Prop" guns are rubber or wood. That was a real gun with real ammunition.

 

[spaminator]

5-year firearms enhancement dropped in Alec Baldwin 'Rust' shooting case
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Anita Snow
Published Feb 20, 2023 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read

SANTA FE, N.M. — The prosecution in the case of a fatal New Mexico film-set shooting made a stark turnaround Monday, dropping the possibility of a mandatory five-year sentence against Alec Baldwin, new court filings show.


The actor-producer’s attorneys had earlier objected to the enhancement, saying it was unconstitutional because it was added after the October 2021 shooting. Legal experts had said Baldwin had a strong chance of seeing it tossed out.


“The prosecutors committed a basic legal error by charging Mr. Baldwin under a version of the firearm-enhancement statue that did not exist on the date of the accident,” Baldwin’s attorneys said in an earlier court filing.

Baldwin’s attorney declined to comment Monday after the reversal by prosecutors, who earlier criticized his efforts to have the sentencing requirement dropped. The related standard for the possibility of a mandatory five years would be reckless disregard of safety “without due caution and circumspection” and carried a higher threshold of wrongdoing.

The remaining alternative standard and set of penalties in the case now requires proof of negligence, which is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine under New Mexico law.

Heather Brewer, spokesperson for the New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, said in an email earlier this month that the prosecution’s focus “will remain on ensuring that justice is served and that everyone — even celebrities with fancy attorneys — is held accountable under the law.”

Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor on the set of the film “Rust,” were charged last month with felony involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died shortly after being wounded during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe.


Authorities said Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.

Hutchins’ parents and sister have filed a lawsuit over the shooting after a similar suit filed by her husband and son was settled.

Production that was halted by the shooting is expected to resume this spring. Rust Movie Productions said Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, will be the film’s new executive producer with Blanca Cline as the new cinematographer.

Rust Movie Productions said last week a related documentary will detail the completion of the film and the life of Halyna Hutchins.

Souza will return as director when production resumes, although it’s unclear in what state the filming will take place.

Rust Movie Productions officials said the use of “working weapons” and “any form of ammunition” will be prohibited on the movie set.

5-year firearms enhancement dropped in Alec Baldwin 'Rust' shooting case

Prosecutors have dropped the possibility of a sentence enhancement that could have carried a mandatory 5-year sentence against Alec Baldwin.

torontosun.com

 

[spaminator]

Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty in shooting, can still work
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Morgan Lee
Published Feb 23, 2023 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read

Actor Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of a cinematographer on the set of a Western movie and waived his first formal court appearance, in court documents filed Thursday.


Baldwin and a weapons supervisor were charged last month with felony involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died shortly after being wounded during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe in October 2021.


Baldwin agreed to forgo a hearing to have his rights explained to him. A judge on Thursday set conditions of release that allow Baldwin to have limited contact with potential witnesses in connection with plans to complete the filming of Rust.

Prosecutors and defence attorneys are preparing for a likely preliminary hearing within a few months to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Other provisions of Baldwin’s pretrial release include a prohibition on consuming alcohol and against any possession of weapons, including firearms.


“Defendant is permitted to have contact with potential witnesses only … in connection with completing the Rust movie and other related and unrelated business matters; provided, however, that defendant is not permitted to discuss the accident at issue,” state District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said in a signed order.

The involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin, a lead actor and co-producer on Rust, and armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine under New Mexico law.

Authorities said Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.

Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas said when the charges were announced that they were “a terrible miscarriage of justice.” He said Baldwin relied on the professionals with whom he worked and “had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun.”


Work on Rust was halted with Hutchins’ death. Rust Movie Productions says filming is expected to resume this spring, without the use of real weapons or ammunition.

Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, will be the film’s new executive producer, fulfilling the terms of a legal settlement to a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and other Rust producers.

A related documentary is planned that would detail the completion of the film and the life of Hutchins.

Gutierrez-Reed is scheduled to appear remotely at a court hearing Friday, Her attorney says Gutierrez-Reed will enter a plea of not guilty.

Prosecutors say assistant director David Halls, who oversaw safety on set, has signed an agreement to plead guilty in the negligent use of a deadly weapon, explaining that he may have handled the gun improperly before it was given to Baldwin.

A judge is scheduled to consider approval of the plea agreement in March. Halls waived his first appearance in court.

Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty in shooting, can still work

Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death on the set of Rust.

torontosun.com

 

[spaminator]

'Rust' armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed won't return to film
Author of the article:Bang Showbiz
Bang Showbiz
Published Feb 23, 2023 • 2 minute read

Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed won’t be returning to the production of the film.


The weapons expert, along with actor Alec Baldwin, is facing an involuntary manslaughter charge in relation to the death of Halyna Hutchins, who was killed when a prop gun went off during rehearsals for the movie.


Her legal team have confirmed she won’t be part of the crew when work resumes on the film.

“Hannah is not returning to the ‘Rust’ filming,” Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney Jason Bowles told Entertainment Tonight.

After charges were filed against Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin – who face up to 18 months in prison – Melina Spadone, an attorney for Rust Movie Productions confirmed plans would go ahead to complete the film, noting there would be “on-set safety supervisors and union crew members,” and the production “will bar any use of working weapons or any ammunition.”


Director Joel Souza – who was injured in the shooting – previously vowed to honour the legacy of the late cinematographer with the production.

“Though bittersweet, I am grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team joining former cast and crew are committed to completing what Halyna and I started,” he said in a statement.

“My every effort on this film will be devoted to honouring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.”

Lawyers for both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed believe they will not be found guilty of the charges.

“This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice,” the 30 Rock star’s attorney Luke Nikas has said.


“Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set. He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win.”

Jason Bowles and Todd J. Bullion, attorneys for Gutierrez-Reed, said in a separate statement, “Hannah is, and has always been, very emotional and sad about this tragic accident. But she did not commit involuntary manslaughter. These charges are the result of a very flawed investigation, and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts. We intend to bring the full truth to light and believe Hannah will be exonerated of wrongdoing by a jury.”

Entertainment Tonight

Entertainment Tonight (ET) is the authoritative source on entertainment and celebrity news with unprecedented access to Hollywood's biggest stars, upcoming movies, and TV shows.

etonline.com

'Rust' armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed won't return to film

Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed won't be returning to the production of the film.

torontosun.com

 

[spaminator]

Weapons supervisor pleads not guilty in 'Rust' shooting case
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and Alec Baldwin charged last month with felony involuntary manslaughter

Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Susan Montoya Bryan
Published Feb 24, 2023 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read

A weapons supervisor charged with a felony for her alleged role in the shooting death of a cinematographer on the set of a Western movie made her first formal court appearance Friday.


Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney said his client will plead not guilty but the judge did not take that plea during the virtual court proceeding. Instead, the judge issued conditions of release that allow Gutierrez-Reed to keep a gun at home for self-defence.


Gutierrez-Reed and Alec Baldwin were charged last month with felony involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died shortly after being wounded during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe in October 2021.

Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney told the judge his client has received numerous threats and was forced to file for a restraining order against a stalker. He said authorities released documents related to the case and failed to redact identifying information that included phone numbers.


District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies told the judge she adamantly opposed the request because of Gutierrez-Reed’s “sloppy mishandling of firearms and guns” on the set. She suggested Gutierrez-Reed could either move or keep a bat or pepper spray in her house instead.

Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney, Jason Bowles, challenged the district attorney’s characterization and disputed the claim about sloppiness.

“There is no allegation that she is a danger to anyone having a firearm within her home and it’s for self-protection because of actions that the state took in releasing private information. That is the reason for that request,” he said.

In addition to allowing Gutierrez-Reed to have a gun at home, the judge ordered her not to have any contact with witnesses who might testify as part of the case.


A day earlier Baldwin agreed to forgo a hearing to have his rights explained to him and entered a plea of not guilty.

The judge allowed Baldwin to have limited contact with potential witnesses in connection with plans to complete the filming of Rust. Other provisions included a prohibition on consuming alcohol and against any possession of weapons, including firearms.

Work on Rust was halted with Hutchins’ death. Rust Movie Productions says filming is expected to resume this spring, without the use of real weapons or ammunition.

The involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin, a lead actor and co-producer on “Rust,” and Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armour, are punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine under New Mexico law.


Prosecutors and defence attorneys are preparing for a likely preliminary hearing within a few months to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Authorities said Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.

Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas said when the charges were announced that they were “a terrible miscarriage of justice.” He said Baldwin relied on the professionals with whom he worked and “had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun.”




Bowles had said the charges were the result of “a very flawed investigation and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts.” He said he believed jurors will exonerate his client.

Prosecutors say assistant director David Halls, who oversaw safety on set, has signed an agreement to plead guilty in the negligent use of a deadly weapon, explaining that he may have handled the gun improperly before it was given to Baldwin.

A judge is scheduled to consider approval of the plea agreement in March. Halls waived his first appearance in court.

— Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Associated Press writer Morgan Lee contributed from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Weapons supervisor pleads not guilty in 'Rust' shooting case

A weapons supervisor charged with felony for her alleged role in shooting death of cinematographer on the set of "Rust" pleaded not guilty.

torontosun.com

 

[spaminator]

Alec Baldwin sued by three ‘Rust’ crew members
Author of the article:Bang Showbiz
Bang Showbiz
Published Feb 27, 2023 • 2 minute read

Alec Baldwin is being sued by three Rust crew members.


The 64-year-old actor has pleaded not guilty to two charges of involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, on the set of the Western in October 2021, and now faces a new lawsuit over the tragedy from film workers who say they were left physically and emotionally traumatized by the incident.


Court documents obtained by TMZ say a suit was filed by a trio of Rust crew against him and the film’s producers on Monday, with the three claiming they have suffered anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after the fatal shooting of Halyna.

The plaintiffs in the suit are dolly operator Ross Addiego, set costumer Doran Curtin and key grip Reese Price, who were in the church on the set of the neo-Western at Bonanza Creek Ranch, New Mexico, when Alec’s gun went off, killing Halyna and striking and wounding director Joel Souza.



They are alleging they were so close to Alec when the gun was fired they sustained “blast injuries” from the sound of the shot.

Their complaint also accuses Alec of not paying attention during weapons training and failing to ensure that the gun was not loaded with a live bullet.

Alec was due in court on last Friday over the involuntary manslaughter charges, but entered the pleas last Thursday and waived his right to a first appearance in court.

A preliminary hearing date has yet to be set, which will determine whether the case will go to trial.

Court documents have shown 44 witnesses including Rust director Joel, 49, are lined up to give evidence at the hearing, along with armour and prop worker Seth Kenney, camera assistant Lane Luper, line producer Gabrielle Pickle and script supervisor Maime Mitchell.

Alec also faces a separate civil lawsuit filed by Halyna’s family on Feb. 9.

They are suing the actor and the Rust production company for alleged battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and loss of consortium, which is a claim to compensate for damage to relationships such as marriages that are mutually dependent.

Alec Baldwin Sued by 'Rust' Crew Members for Cutting Corners on Set

Three crew members who say they were on the scene when Alec Baldwin shot Halyna Hutchins have just filed a new lawsuit ... claiming it was a tragedy waiting to happen.

tmz.com

Alec Baldwin sued by three ‘Rust’ crew members

Alec Baldwin is being sued by three Rust crew members.

torontosun.com

 

[spaminator]

DA stands by prosecutor in Alec Baldwin set-shooting case
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Morgan Lee
Published Mar 06, 2023 • 2 minute read

SANTA FE, N.M. — A district attorney in Santa Fe fought back Monday against efforts to disqualify the special prosecutor pursuing manslaughter charges against actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on a New Mexico film set.


Baldwin’s legal team in February sought to disqualify special prosecutor and Republican state Rep. Andrea Reeb of Clovis based on constitutional provisions that safeguard the separation of powers between distinct branches of government.


Defence attorneys argued that Reeb’s role as a state lawmaker and prosecutor are incompatible and could distort legislative and judicial actions, including state spending on the prosecution of Baldwin over the 2021 shooting on the set of the Western movie “Rust.”

Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies on Monday called the objection a “novel theory that has no support in new Mexico statutes or case law.”

She said the state constitution provides a variety of safeguards against legislators interfering with the outcome of ongoing court cases.


“Any attempt by Ms. Reeb as a legislator to influence the outcome of this trial would be completely ineffective,” Carmack-Altwies said in a court filing.

Since joining the legislature in January, Reeb has steered clear of voting on public spending to prosecute Baldwin and film-set weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. She was excused from a House floor vote in February on a proposed state budget that includes $360,000 for special prosecution expenses in the fatal film-set shooting.

Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed have pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 18-months in prison and fines.


Hutchins died shortly after being wounded Oct. 21, 2021, during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza. A likely preliminary hearing is still months away to decide whether evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial.

Prosecutors say assistant director David Halls, who oversaw safety on set, has signed an agreement to plead guilty in the negligent use of a deadly weapon. A judge is scheduled to consider approval of the plea agreement later this month.

Prosecution in the death of Hutchins is currently underwritten by an emergency state grant, approved in September 2022 by the State Board of Finance that is led by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Reeb is listed as a sponsor or cosponsor on several criminal justice initiatives, including enhanced punishments for firearms violations, as legislators explore ways to rein in surging violent crime. She previously served as district attorney for a judicial district on the eastern plains of New Mexico.

DA stands by prosecutor in Alec Baldwin set-shooting case

A district attorney fought back against efforts to disqualify the special prosecutor pursuing manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin.

torontosun.com

 

[spaminator]

Special prosecutor in Alec Baldwin 'Rust' shooting steps down
Author of the article:Reuters
Reuters
Published Mar 14, 2023 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read

SANTA FE, N.M. — A special prosecutor who doubles as a state legislator is stepping down from her role in the manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin in the death of a cinematographer on a New Mexico film set.


Special prosecutor in Alec Baldwin's Rust shooting case steps down: 'Difficult decision'


Special prosecutor in Alec Baldwin's Rust shooting case steps down: 'Difficult decision'
Andrea Reeb, the special prosecutor in Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' shooting case, has made the "difficult decision" to step down from her position because she doesn't want questions about her suitability to "cloud the real issue".

Special prosecutor in Alec Baldwin's Rust shooting case steps down: 'Difficult decision'

Baldwin’s legal team in February sought to disqualify special prosecutor and Republican state Rep. Andrea Reeb of Clovis based on constitutional provisions that safeguard the separation of powers between distinct branches of government.


Reeb said in a statement Tuesday that she “will not allow questions about my serving as a legislator and prosecutor to cloud the real issue at hand.”

“It has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts,” Reeb said.

District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies filed a notification in state district court and declined further comment.

Baldwin and weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and fines.


Hutchins died shortly after being wounded Oct. 21, 2021, during rehearsals for the Western film “Rust” at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled in May to decide whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed to a trial.

Prosecutors say assistant director David Halls, who oversaw safety on set, has signed an agreement to plead guilty in the negligent use of a deadly weapon.

In her role as legislator, Reeb has sponsored several criminal justice initiatives, including enhanced punishments for firearms violations.

The Republican from Clovis steered clear of voting on public spending to prosecute Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.

She was excused from a House floor vote in February on a proposed state budget that includes $360,000 for special prosecution expenses in the fatal film-set shooting.

Special prosecutor in Alec Baldwin 'Rust' shooting steps down

The special prosecutor handling the case against actor Alec Baldwin in the 2021 "Rust" movie set shooting death of Halyna Hutchins announced she is stepping down

torontosun.com

 

[spaminator]

Judge says 'Rust' district attorney cannot be co-prosecutor
Author of the article:Reuters
Reuters
Andrew Hay
Published Mar 27, 2023 • 2 minute read

A New Mexico judge on Monday told the district attorney overseeing the “Rust” movie-set shooting case that she could not appoint a new special prosecutor and remain on the case herself, marking another potential setback for the prosecution.


The comments by district court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer came after the armorer charged in the 2021 shooting filed a motion to block appointment of a new special prosecutor after the previous one resigned.


Lawyers for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed also sought to stop Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies from acting as a co-prosecutor in the case, as she previously did.

The filing was the latest effort by defense lawyers to weaken a prosecution beset by legal errors since it filed criminal charges in January against Gutierrez-Reed and actor Alec Baldwin for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Marlowe Sommer told Carmack-Altwies the statute underpinning use of a special prosecutor said a district attorney could only appoint one if he or she had “good cause” not to take part in a prosecution themselves.


“You cannot use it unless you’re not going to prosecute,” said the judge, who scheduled another hearing for Friday.

Carmack-Altwies said she still planned to use the statute to appoint a special prosecutor, telling the judge her short-staffed office could not handle the “massive amounts of time” required for the “Rust” case on top of its existing workload.

Andrea Reeb, who is a Republican state representative, resigned as special prosecutor in the case on March 15 after Baldwin’s lawyers argued that serving in two branches of government simultaneously was unlawful as it could lead to a conflict of interest.

Carmack-Altwies has only five weeks to appoint a new special prosecutor before a May 2 preliminary hearing in which Marlowe Sommer will decide whether there is probable cause to try Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin.

Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to an involuntary manslaughter charge and Gutierrez-Reed is expected to do the same.

Hutchins was killed and “Rust” director Joel Souza injured when a revolver Baldwin was rehearsing with fired a live round.

Judge says 'Rust' district attorney cannot be co-prosecutor

New Mexico judge told district attorney overseeing "Rust" shooting case that she could not appoint new special prosecutor and remain on case.

torontosun.com

 

[spaminator]

Special prosecutors appointed in Baldwin 'Rust' shooting case
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Published Mar 29, 2023 • Last updated 1 day ago • 1 minute read

SANTA FE, N.M. — Santa Fe’s district attorney has appointed two veteran New Mexico lawyers to serve as the new special prosecutors in the manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin and a weapons supervisor in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer during a 2021 movie rehearsal.


The appointment of Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis to the positions will allow District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies to focus on New Mexico’s “broader public safety needs,” her spokesperson Heather Brewer said in a statement Wednesday.


The original special prosecutor, Andrea Reeb, resigned earlier in the wake of missteps in the filing of initial charges against Baldwin and objections that Reeb’s role as a state legislator created conflicting responsibilities.

Carmack-Altwies subsequently had been preparing to appoint a new special prosecutor and also guide the complex case as co-counsel.

But Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said on Monday the district attorney should either lead the case on her own or turn it over entirely to another prosecutor.


Baldwin and movie armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and fines.

Hutchins died shortly after being wounded Oct. 21, 2021, during rehearsals for the Western film “Rust” at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza.

A defence attorney for Gutierrez-Reed objected to Carmack-Altwies’ earlier plans to serve as co-counsel, arguing it would be illegal under New Mexico law and fundamentally unfair to a 25-year-old defendant with limited financial resources.

Brewer said the appointment of Morrisey and Lewis, with their “extensive experience and trial expertise, will allow the state to pursue justice for Halyna Hutchins and ensure that in New Mexico everyone is held accountable under the law.”

A weekslong preliminary hearing in May will decide whether evidence against Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed is sufficient to proceed to trial.

Special prosecutors appointed in Baldwin 'Rust' shooting case

Santa Fe's district attorney has appointed two lawyers to serve as the new special prosecutors in the manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin.

torontosun.com