- Alec Baldwin files waiver for a preliminary hearing in the fatal 'Rust' shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins
- The judge in charge of the case approved the actor's request
- Baldwin pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter of the victim, who died on October 21, 2021
Alec Baldwin receives a judge's approval for his waiver of a preliminary appearance in the fatal "Rust" shooting case involving cinematographer Halyna Hutchins's death.
The actor, known for his roles in '30 Rock' and 'Mission Impossible - Fallout,' filed the waiver a month before the scheduled preliminary hearing. In the document, Baldwin acknowledged that he was aware of the charges against him, which was involuntary manslaughter in two alternatives.
Alec Baldwin Waives Preliminary Court Appearance in 'Rust' Case
He also said he understood that he was entitled to physically appear before the Court at every stage of the criminal proceedings. Baldwin thenrequestedt that the Court permit him to waive a personal appearance in the preliminary hearing.
The approval of Baldwin's waiver means he will not be required to appear in person at the Santa Fe County courthouse on May 3. The preliminary hearing of the murder case is expected to last up to two weeks, as per Fox News.
The actor pleaded not guilty to the charges related to the fatal shooting of Hutchins in the incident on October 21, 2021. The unfortunate events occurred after Baldwin was holding a prop gun he accidentally fired and shot at the victim. The 65-year-old has denied accusations that he pulled the trigger of the gun that killed Hutchins.
In a similar incident, the defendant also waived his first court appearance in February, which legal experts said at the time was a "routine court proceeding." Another individual, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the production, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case, and her preliminary hearing is scheduled on May 3 as well.
Dave Halls, the assistant director for the movie, also faces charges of a misdemeanor of the negligent use of a deadly weapon. Authorities in March sentenced Hals to six months of unsupervised probation.
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Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter
Baldwin's filing of a waiver and Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer's subsequent approval comes after the New Mexico District Attorney overseeing the case said that she would follow a judge's order to step down as prosecutor, according to the Independent.
Mary Carmack-Altwies, a New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney, announced that lawyers Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis were appointed as new special prosecutors in Baldwin's fatal shooting case.
The probation of Halls includes testifying truthfully during any trials or hearings, a $500 fine, an agreement to participate in a firearms safety course that provides proof of completion within 60 days of his plea, aversion from alcohol, 24 hours of community service, and agreement to have no contact with any potential witnesses or co-defendants.
Baldwin's lawyers previously filed to have Andrea Reeb, who was in charge of the case, to be removed. They argued that the prosecutor could not simultaneously serve as the special prosecutor and a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives simultaneously, said Yahoo News.
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