Hollywood star Alec Baldwin, who was charged with negligent homicide after being shot dead while filming a western, did not appear at the second court hearing in the case himself. After a motion to that effect was granted, Baldwin was represented by his attorney at the hearing, which was conducted by videoconference by the New Mexico state court.
At the meeting, it was discussed, among other things, that there should be another hearing in March and a two-week preliminary investigation in May. There was also confusion about the gun that shot camerawoman Halyna Hutchins in October 2021. Baldwin’s attorney, Alex Spiro, said at the court hearing that the gun was “destroyed” during the state investigation. The public prosecutor’s office later contradicted this in a message to the TV channel CNBC. The gun will be kept with the other pieces of evidence.
Baldwin faces imprisonment
Baldwin did not appear in person at a video hearing about two weeks ago, but had his lawyer represent him. The 64-year-old had also pleaded not guilty in writing. Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is also charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Hutchins was fatally injured while filming the western “Rust” at a film ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin, who served as lead actor and producer on the film, was holding a gun in rehearsal for a scene when a shot went off. The projectile hit director Joel Souza in the shoulder, injuring him. Investigations revealed that the Colt had a real bullet lodged in it. Baldwin and the armorer had always denied responsibility for the fatal accident.
