Alec Baldwin facing lengthy prison sentence over Rust shooting

Alec Baldwin could face a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted of involuntary manslaughter over the accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust in October 2021.

Both actor Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have now been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Hutchins was fatally wounded by a prop firearm which was discharged by Baldwin. Rust’s director Joel Souza was also wounded. Baldwin was reportedly led to believe that the firearm was loaded with blank rounds but this was incorrect. When the gun was fired during a scene, several live rounds were inside. Hutchins was pronounced dead shortly after she was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital.

New Mexico district attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies previously said that the decision is in keeping with her commitment to “pursue justice for all victims.” Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were formally charged on 31 January by the Santa Fe District Attorney’s office. The duo are being ‘charged in the alternative,’ which means that in addition to deciding if they’re guilty, a jury will also eventually decide which definition of involuntary manslaughter they’re guilty of.

As reported by UNILAD, for the first charge of involuntary manslaughter, prosecutors must prove that Hutchins’ death was a result of underlying negligence. If Baldwin or Gutierrez-Reed are found guilty of this charge, they could be jailed for up to 18 months and be forced to pay a $5,000 fine.

The alternative is involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act which requires proof that there was more than negligence involved. The defendants must’ve shown a reckless disregard for safety. That charge would include a firearm enhancement which means a mandatory penalty of five years would be in place. A trial date has not yet been set.