What We Know: Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter

Alec Baldwin, who was an actor and producer in the movie “Rust” has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in relation to the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died after being shot with a prop gun.

The weapons expert hired for “Rust” Hannah Gutierrez Reed will also be charged.

Assistant Director David Halls accepted a plea deal misdemeanour charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon, prosecutors confirmed that he will be given a suspended sentence and probation.

The film’s director Joel DeSouza was injured after being shot in the shoulder, however prosecutors said no charges would be filed for this.

Santa Fe’s District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies announced the charges on Thursday, noting that they would be filed by the end of the month.

“Actor and producer Alec Baldwin and armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed will each be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter,” the statement read. “I have determined that there is sufficient evidence.”

“On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice,” she said.

Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 (£4,040) fine if convicted. They will be tried by a jury, prosecutors said.

In a statement, a lawyer for Ms Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, said he supported the filing of the charges. “It is a comfort to the family that, in New Mexico, no one is above the law,” he said.

Baldwin’s lawyer, Luke Nikas said he intends to appeal the charges and called the decision “a terrible miscarriage of justice”.

“Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set,” Mr Nikas said. “He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win.”

Gutierrez Reed’s lawyer said the charges stemmed from a “very flawed investigation and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts”.

“Hannah is, and has always been, very emotional and sad about this tragic accident,” Todd Bullion said. “But she did not commit involuntary manslaughter.”

After the incident took place, Baldwin said the gun misfired and he denied pulling the trigger.

“I don’t know what happened on that set. I don’t know how that bullet arrived in that gun. I don’t know,” he said.

Filming of “Rust” had been scheduled to start again this year with Halyna Hutchins’ husband taking up the role of executive producer.