MOVIE NEWS – Alec Baldwin is no longer facing involuntary manslaughter charges related to the 2021 accidental death of Halyna Hutchins during the filming of Rust, Variety confirms. On December 23, 2024, special prosecutor Kari Morrissey officially withdrew her appeal of a judge’s previous ruling to dismiss the case.
Baldwin appeared in court in July 2024, with prosecutors alleging reckless and negligent behavior when he discharged a firearm while preparing for a scene. The gunshot killed Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. However, just three days into the trial, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the charges, sharply criticizing Morrissey’s approach as being “borderline bad faith.”
Morrissey notably failed to present critical evidence — a batch of ammunition — that Baldwin’s attorneys, Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas, argued would have bolstered their case. Morrissey dismissed the evidence as irrelevant and pursued an appeal, which Attorney General Raúl Torrez ultimately decided not to support. Spiro and Nikas released a statement, saying:
Today’s dismissal of the appeal serves as the ultimate vindication for Alec Baldwin, who has maintained from the outset that this was a tragic accident, not a crime. Justice prevails in New Mexico.
Despite this legal victory, Baldwin still faces civil lawsuits filed by Hutchins’ family members in Ukraine. Their lawyer, Gloria Allred, expressed their deep disappointment at the decision to drop the appeal, stating, “My clients feel justice has not been served as no impartial jury had the chance to deliver a verdict on Alec Baldwin’s guilt or innocence.”
The production of Rust resumed after years of delay, premiering in November 2024 at the Camerimage Film Festival in Poland. The event honored Hutchins’ legacy with a panel discussion dedicated to her work. Director Joel Souza revealed that completing the film was part of a settlement with Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, and their son, with proceeds from the movie directed toward their financial support.
Since the July dismissal, Baldwin has been rebuilding his life and career. Before Rust’s premiere, he appeared in two 2024 thrillers, Clear Cut and Crescent City. Baldwin also made several appearances on Saturday Night Live, including its 2024 finale in a comedic tribute to Martin Short’s milestone hosting appearance. He is also slated to star in Hollywood Heist alongside Nick Cannon, Mickey Rourke, Tara Reid, and Danny Trejo.
Source: MovieWeb
