Alec Baldwin’s Team Responds To Criminal Charges Against The Actor

Actor Adam Baldwin’s lawyer slammed Thursday’s criminal charges against him for the accidental shooting of Halyna HUTCHINS in 2021 on set of the film “Rust.”

Mary Carmack-Altwies, New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney, announced that Hannah Gutierrez Reed and Baldwin were both charged with involuntary murder.

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

“Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set,” The statement has been added. “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.”

Involuntary murder is a fourth degree felony in New Mexico that can result in up to 18 years in prison. The mandatory five-year jail sentence could be increased if a firearm is involved.

After the charges were announced, Hutchins’ family released a statement through their attorney, Brian Panish.

“We want to thank the Santa Fe Sheriff and the District Attorney for concluding their thorough investigation and determining that charges for involuntary manslaughter are warranted for the killing of Halyna Hutchins with conscious disregard for human life,” According to the statement. “Our independent investigation also supports that charges are warranted. It is a comfort to the family that, in New Mexico, no one is above the law. We support the charges, will fully cooperate with this prosecution, and fervently hope the justice system works to protect the public and hold accountable those who break the law.”

The charges come after the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office turned over a 500-page report on its investigation to prosecutors in October. Redactions were made to the report, but it revealed that Baldwin had fired a gun with live ammo. It also gives a chaotic account of what happened on the day of shooting and documents numerous problems with firearms at the scene.

A report signed by the New Mexico chief medical investigator found Hutchins’ death to be an “accident,” CNN.

“Review of available law enforcement reports showed no compelling demonstration that the firearm was intentionally loaded with live ammunition on set. Based on all available information, including the absence of obvious intent to cause harm or death, the manner of death is best classified as accident,” According to the report.

Baldwin has rejected culpability in Hutchins’ death. Baldwin spoke to George Stephanopoulos on ABC News in December 2021. “I didn’t pull the trigger” Hutchins was killed by the prop gun. Baldwin further denied responsibility for Hutchins’ death.

“I feel that someone is responsible for what happened and I can’t say who that is, but I know it’s not me,” Baldwin spoke to the host. “I might have killed myself if I thought I was responsible, and I don’t say that lightly.”

Tim Pearce contributed to the report.