Charges Against Alec Baldwin To Be Dropped In “Rust” Shooting

Looks like Alec Baldwin will escape charges in the shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust. His attorneys said in a statement: “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 and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were both initially charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in January and were looking at a prison sentence as long as five years if convicted. Prosecutors dropped firearm enhancement the next month, which reduced the maximum sentence to 18 months. ABC News reports that the Santa Fe special prosecutors received new information that the Colt .45 revolver was “mechanically improper” and capable of firing “without pressure on the trigger.”

The statement said this doesn’t “absolve” Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges could be refiled.  Charges still stand against Gutierrez-Reed. Her attorneys said that they “fully expect at the end of this process that Hannah will also be exonerated.”