Accident or not, Alec Baldwin faces manslaughter charges killing cinematographer Halyna Hutching for gun safety negligence.
Legal experts claim Alec Baldwin is facing manslaughter charges for shooting and killing 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutching on the set of Rust and will serve a minimum of 3 years in prison.
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A tragic incident resulted in the death of a respected Hollywood cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust in Santa Fe, California. Although the sheriff’s department has released a statement saying that no charges have been made, legal experts believe that Alec Baldwin will serve 3 years in prison for manslaughter.
“As you may know, criminal negligence can exist even if a defendant hasn’t done anything illegal. Instead, it makes both legal and illegal acts that are carried out carelessly criminal. For example, even if it is lawful to drive a car, doing so negligently could result in criminal negligence and, if a death occurs, involuntary manslaughter charges,” the legal expert said.
“Unintentional killing caused by criminal carelessness or a low-level criminal act such as a misdemeanour is known as involuntary manslaughter. It differs from other types of homicide in that it does not necessitate premeditation or deliberate purpose. Involuntary manslaughter is the lowest level of homicide because neither of these mental states is required.”
“Mr Baldwin violated gun safety laws, and as a result, he is certainly guilty of criminal negligence. If the rifle is a prop, he should have unloaded it before aiming or firing it at the people in the scene.”
Involuntary manslaughter in California carries a mandatory minimum term of three years, according to the legal expert.
The gun that killed was used at off-the-clock cast gathering for target practice which Alec Baldwin had reportedly attended as well.
According to the film’s director, who was also shot, Alec Baldwin was merely blocking the scene which means that the cameras were not rolling.
“To be perfectly honest, he had no need to be holding a genuine pistol in the first place. He also did not do a safety check on the pistol prior to handling it. This is a clear case of involuntary manslaughter,” the legal expert concluded.
Alec Baldwin released a statement about the tragedy on his Twitter account a day after Halyna Hutchins was pronounced dead by the University of New Mexico Hospital.
Any word on who you want to murder for the sequel?
— Michael Malice (@michaelmalice) October 23, 2021
“To be perfectly honest, he had no need to be holding a genuine pistol in the first place. He also did not do a safety check on the pistol prior to handling it,” Baldwin Tweeted.
He continued: “I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”
Production for Rust has been delayed indefinitely and the Santa Fe sheriff’s department is currently investigating the shooting.