Criminal charges against actor Alec Baldwin related to the 2021 fatal shooting on the set of “Rust” are have been dropped Deadline reports.
Special prosecutors could file court papers formalizing the decision as early as Thursday.
The 65-year-old actor is facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the incident in October 2021, in which he was practicing with a prop gun that fired on the film’s set in New Mexico.
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, was fatally shot, while cinematographer and director Joel Souza suffered a non-life-threatening injury.
Although prosecutors had not formally announced a decision regarding the charges against Baldwin, his lawyers issued a statement confirming the move.
“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” Baldwin lawyers Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro told Deadline.
Baldwin has repeatedly asserted that he did not pull the trigger on the gun, although the FBI has disputed that claim.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer working on set, faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with Hutchins’ death. Sources told Deadline the charges against her are still expected to remain for now.
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Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin have both pleaded not guilty. In February, the state dropped gun enhancement charges against the pair, according to ABC News.
Prosecutors are expected to seek dismissal of the charges against Baldwin without prejudice, meaning the case could be refiled in the future.
In October, Hutchins’ estate settled a wrongful death lawsuit with “Rust” producers and Baldwin.
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[Feature Photo: Alec Baldwin; AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File; Halyna Hutchins/ Instagram]
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