NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Alec Baldwin has asked a judge to dismiss the charges against him for the deadly shooting on the movie set of Rust in 2021.
The shooting happened on Bonanza Creek Ranch. Actor Alec Baldwin was handling a prop gun that was unknowingly loaded with a real bullet. The gun fired on set, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Baldwin was originally charged in the shooting last year, but charges were dropped.
A grand jury indicted him on new charges in January, now the prosecution is responding to Baldwin’s request to throw out his indictment.
The prosecution highlighted times when they claimed Alec Baldwin lacked concern for safety on set, lost his temper, and rushed production. They also point to him being a producer of the movie and hiring an inexperienced armorer.
In one instance, prosecutors said Baldwin was making inappropriate calls after the shooting by calling his wife regarding his family’s upcoming trip to New Mexico. They also claim Baldwin wasn’t following directions immediately before the shooting happened.
Prosecutors point out that Baldwin has done several interviews with national media and OSHA. They said his story changes over time.
The prosecution also said in the response that they offered Baldwin a confidential plea deal and accused his legal team of leaking it to a news reporter. The reply to the motion states the plea deal was eventually rescinded.
Baldwin’s trial on an involuntary manslaughter charge is set to begin on July 10. No date has been set on the motion.
The Rust movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez was found guilty in March of involuntary manslaughter and faces 18 months in prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 15.
