Alec Baldwin to be charged over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins
The Hollywood actor is facing an involuntary manslaughter charge followin gthe death of Ms Hutchins on a film set
Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of a film.
Baldwin was rehearsing with a prop gun when it went off, killing Halyna Hutchins, who was behind a camera.
The film's armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is facing the same charge, which could result in an 18 month jail sentence and a fine of up to $5,000.
"Terrible miscarriage of justice"- Baldwin's lawyers
The decision to prosecute Alec Baldwin over the death of Halyna Hutchins "represents a terrible miscarriage of justice", the actor's lawyer has said.
The decision was announced by New Mexico District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, via a written statement on Thursday.
"After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew," the statement read.
"On my watch, no-one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice."
Responding to the announcement, Baldwin's lawyer, Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel, said: "This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins' tragic death and represents 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.
"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."
It comes less than three months after the District Attorney's office received the final report from the police into the incident which led to the death of Ms Hutchins after a prop gun held by Baldwin was discharged.
Rust director Joel Souza was also wounded in the shooting on the Bonanza Creek Ranch set near Santa Fe, Arizona.
Assistant director David Halls has signed a plea agreement for the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon.
No charges will be filed over the non-fatal shooting of Souza, the DA said.
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