Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty In 'Rust' Fatal Shooting
Alec Baldwin photographed on Oct. 7 at the Hamptons International Film Festival.
(
Mark Sagliocco
/
Getty Images
)
Alec Baldwin on Thursday entered a not guilty plea to charges filed against him in the death of Halyna Hutchins on a movie set in New Mexico in 2021. He also waived his right to make his first court appearance — ahead of a scheduled virtual appearance Friday.
His plea was accepted by New Mexico 1st Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, who imposed some conditions.
About those conditions
As part of his plea, Baldwin was ordered to not consume alcohol, possess weapons or talk to witnesses, except those who might be involved in completing the production of "Rust", which is scheduled to resume this spring.
Baldwin is on actor and producer for "Rust." He was rehearsing a scene when authorities say he fired a gun that killed Hutchins, the film's cinematographer. The film's director was also wounded in the incident.
What happened this week
The New Mexico prosecutors downgraded the charges against Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, which significantly reduced a possible sentence if they were to be convicted. The change means the maximum sentence is now 18 months, rather than a minimum of five years.
What the prosecution is alleging
In charging Baldwin in January, prosecutors said Baldwin “failed to appear for mandatory firearms training” before filming and then received limited on-set training because he was on his mobile phone.
Sponsored message
Prosecutors also said there were “many instances of extremely reckless acts or reckless failures to act by Baldwin in a 10-day period” before he killed Hutchins. Gutierrez-Reed, the prosecutors said, failed to keep live ammunition off the set, did not inspect the gun that killed Hutchins, and was not present when it was used.
Updated February 23, 2023 at 4:12 PM PST
This story updates with news that Baldwin entered a not guilty plea ahead of a scheduled virtual court appearance.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
