Alec Baldwin’s criminal case over the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has concluded with a dismissal of charges, clearing the way for a civil lawsuit against the actor. Relatives of Hutchins have expressed disappointment that prosecutors will not appeal the dismissal and have vowed to pursue damages from Baldwin and “Rust” producers in New Mexico civil court.
Hutchins died during a rehearsal for the movie “Rust” in 2021 after being wounded by a discharged pistol. The shooting occurred when Baldwin was pointing the gun at Hutchins, causing it to fire. He claimed he pulled back the hammer but not the trigger, resulting in the fatality.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs said that with the dismissal of the criminal charges, they can now proceed with their civil case. They plan to depose Baldwin under oath as part of the proceedings. The family of Hutchins had previously reached a settlement with her widower and son but are seeking compensation from Baldwin.
The New Mexico Attorney General’s office declined to appeal the dismissal of the charges due to “significant procedural irregularities” identified by the judge in the case. However, victims’ rights attorney Gloria Allred criticized the decision, calling it an attempt to “stifle justice.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/baldwin-rust-movie-set-shooting-civil-lawsuit-011fe92a12fb93c2d70a1e87bb58a2c6