Judge Upholds Involuntary Manslaughter Charge Against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' Shooting

A New Mexico judge has declined Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss the sole criminal charge against him in the fatal shooting incident on the set of the movie "Rust." The decision by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer means the case will proceed to trial this summer.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer upheld an indictment charging Baldwin with one count of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. The judge dismissed defense arguments and ruled that the case will move forward.

Prosecutors Defend Actions

Special prosecutors involved in the case have refuted the defense's claims and accused Baldwin of trying to avoid responsibility. They emphasized inconsistencies in Baldwin's statements to law enforcement, workplace safety regulators, and in a televised interview.

With Friday's decision, prosecutors have cleared a significant obstacle in their pursuit of holding Baldwin accountable for the incident. This development paves the way for the trial, scheduled to commence in July.

Baldwin's Maintainence of Innocence

Alec Baldwin has continuously asserted his innocence, stating that he did not pull the trigger when the gun discharged, fatally injuring Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 1.5 years in prison.

In March, "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins' death. Gutierrez-Reed, who was responsible for the weapons and ammunition on the film set, was found guilty, and sentenced to 18 months in state prison.

The presence of live bullets on the set, including the one fired from the prop gun Baldwin was holding, was highlighted by prosecutors during the case against Gutierrez-Reed.