Rust Shooting Case Update: Alec Baldwin's Involuntary Manslaughter Charges Dropped

Prosecutors drop involuntary manslaughter charges against actor Alec Baldwin
The charges are related to the fatal "Rust" shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins
Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey said the dropping of the charges is temporary pending further investigation

Prosecutors in charge of the fatal "Rust" shooting case involving Alec Baldwin as the suspect and cinematographer Halyna Hutchins as the victim dropped involuntary manslaughter charges against the actor.

Special Prosecutor on the Santa Fe, New Mexico case, Kari Morrissey, released a statement on Thursday, saying that they were not making any extra-judicial comments at this point. She added that in the near future, they would detail more information regarding the situation and noted that the dismissal of the charges is only temporary pending further investigation.

Alec Baldwin's Involuntary Manslaughter Charges

The latest development in the case comes after new evidence emerged and came to the attention of investigators. They indicated that the gun used in the unfortunate incident was modified, as per CNN, said a source who was familiar with the investigation.

The source added that investigators will now examine the weapon used in the case to determine the extent of the modifications. They argued that the alleged changes could have impacted how the gun functioned.

The victim in the case, Hutchins, was struck and killed by a live round of ammunition fired from a gun Baldwin held as they were rehearsing a scene for the movie in 2021. The actor has pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against him in the death of his colleague.

On top of the fatal case, the movie's director, Joel Souza, was injured and struck by live ammunition from the gun. The movie's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, is also being charged with involuntary manslaughter, whose attorney said they would not plead guilty.

In a statement, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, Baldwin's attorneys, said they were pleased with dropping the charges against their client. According to ABC News, they also encouraged further investigation into the facts and circumstances that led to the unfortunate death of 42-year-old Hutchins.

Investigation into Alleged Gun Modifications

The actor's next court appearance is scheduled for May 3, and he has already waived his right to appear at the preliminary hearing. In late February, gun enhancement charges against Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were dropped.

The film's armorer is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing beginning on May 3. She argued that she did not know how live rounds ended up inside the gun that Baldwin used for the rehearsal.

The development follows special prosecutor Andrea Reeb stepping down from leading the case on Mar. 14. On Feb. 7, the actor's legal team filed a motion urging Reeb's disqualification over her dual role as a special prosecutor and a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives, arguing that the situation was "unconstitutional."

In a statement, Reeb later announced that she was making the "difficult decision" to step down as special prosecutor in the fatal Rust shooting. She added that her priority was justice for the victim, said People.