Legal Twist: Alec Baldwin Formally Denies Charges in ‘Rust’ Set Shooting Case

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin has formally pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in relation to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set for the making of the movie “Rust” in October 2021.

Baldwin, 65, was on the set near Santa Fe, New Mexico, attempting to rehearse a scene in which he would have to fire a pistol when the accident happened. Similar charges were brought against the actor in April, but they were dropped. Now, the actor contends his innocence amid new forensic evidence presented by New Mexico prosecutors.

In court papers filed just before a scheduled virtual court appearance in Santa Fe that has since been canceled, he pleaded not guilty. Baldwin, who maintained that he did not consciously pull the trigger and was unaware live rounds were in the Colt.45 pistol, argues that there is no responsibility attributed to him for Hutchins’ death.

Prosecutors in New Mexico, though, contend that additional facts developed from the recent forensic investigations of the weapon?which included a reconstructed Colt.45 pistol?indicate that the trigger must have been pulled for the incident to occur and not, as Baldwin says, that he only drew back the hammer.

Baldwin had used the interview to relay his shock and sadness over the death of the cinematographer, as well as outlining his struggles in finding any acting opportunities since the incident. In April, the court dismissed the first charges of involuntary manslaughter, pending investigations into the possible refiling of the case.