Alec Baldwin is receiving yet another legal victory after being charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. For those that don’t remember or haven’t heard, Baldwin was handling a prop gun on the set of Rust when he accidentally shot and killed 42-year-old Hutchins.
Baldwin was facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter but pleaded not guilty back in February and those charges are now being dismissed. The investigation has continued and is ongoing to this day, but prosecutors couldn’t proceed under the current time restraints due to a lack of facts and evidence.
As many of you know, Baldwin wasn’t the only one facing charges in Hutchins’ death – the film’s weapons handler, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was also facing an involuntary manslaughter charge. While her charge hasn’t been dismissed yet, her attorneys fully expect her to be ‘exonerated’ of charges in the near future.
RELATED: Breaking News in Alec Baldwin’s Criminal Case
This is just the latest of a string of legal victories for Alec Baldwin in the case. His first legal victory came in late-February when his criminal charges were officially downgraded – prosecutors removed the five-year mandatory firearm enhancement, a law that didn’t exist at the time of the accidental shooting.
His second legal victory came a month later when special prosecutor, Andrea Reeb, stepped down from the case. Baldwin’s lawyers had previously filed for her dismissal, arguing that her status as a Republican lawmaker in the New Mexico House of Representatives was ‘unconstitutional’ – she ended up obliging.
After her dismissal, it was announced that special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis will be replacing her – they were the ones who ultimately dismissed the charges, for the time being. They’ve been praised for their thorough and diligent approach to the investigation – which remains ongoing.
While Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are being exonerated of their charges, it’s important to note that they’re being dismissed without prejudice – meaning there’s a possibility that charges get refiled as the investigation continues. For now, Baldwin can take a deep breath and move forward with his life.
Alec Baldwin Thanks Wife, Hilaria Baldwin, on Instagram
It didn’t take Alec Baldwin long to post about his exoneration on Instagram – ultimately sharing a photo of him embracing his wife, Hilaria Baldwin. “I owe everything I have to this woman,” he wrote in the caption – adding in parenthesis, “and to you, Luke,” referring to his lawyers Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro.
Alec Hilaria back in February 2011 at a restaurant in New York City. By August of that year, they were dating and eventually moved in with one another. He popped the question in April 2012 and they tied the knot two months later in New York City. The happy couple has welcomed seven children since then.
In light of his exoneration, it appears filming for Rust is resuming this week and Alec Baldwin will continue as an actor and producer for the film. They picked things back up on Thursday at the Yellowstone Film Ranch – which is located in Montana. The accidental shooting that happened on set was in New Mexico.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Alec Baldwin Enters Plea After Being Officially Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter
As part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Matthew Hutchins, the husband of Halyna Hutchins, he is being added as an executive producer of the film to ensure his wife’s legacy is properly remembered and honored as filming continues. They will also be filming a documentary about Halyna’s life and legacy.
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.