Santa Fe Police Finish Rust Shooting Investigation
(AmericanProsperity.com) – On October 21, 2021 cast and crew gathered on the set of a Western movie called “Rust.” Alec Baldwin was handling a Colt .45 revolver when suddenly it went off, striking cinematographer Halyna Hutchins as well as the film’s director, Joel Souza. Hutchins never made it home to her husband and son. More than a year after the fatal shooting, authorities are finally done with their investigation and have sent their report to the Santa Fe District Attorney’s office.
Investigation Completed
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement to ABC News that it sent its investigative report concerning the fatal shooting on the set of “Rust” to Mary Carmack-Altwies. The Santa Fe district attorney (DA) will review it and determine whether or not prosecutors should pursue criminal charges, which are apparently still on the table.
The New York Post (NYP) mentioned that Heather Brewer, the spokesperson for the DA’s office, asserted in an email that prosecutors would mainly focus on enforcing New Mexico state law, preserving the integrity of due process, and pursuing justice for Hutchins and her family. The spokesperson didn’t give a timeline on when the DA would have a decision but mentioned Carmack-Altwies would come to one in a timely manner. Brewer didn’t offer any further details on the matter. New Mexico doesn’t have a limit on how long a DA can wait to bring charges against someone aside from the statute of limitations.
Criminal Intent?
Baldwin, one of the movie’s producers and stars, has repeatedly claimed that he never pulled the trigger of the firearm that shot and killed Hutchins. However, the FBI determined there was no possible way the gun could’ve fired without Baldwin pulling the trigger.
Authorities were close to closing their investigation in August, but Baldwin’s refusal to turn over phone records in a timely manner delayed the process. While police haven’t arrested anyone in connection with the shooting, Juan Rios of the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office previously told NYP they haven’t ruled out criminal charges, potentially including Baldwin.
The Show Must Go On
The family of Hutchins filed a wrongful death lawsuit and reached a settlement with Rust Movie Productions. The parties agreed to allow production of the film to continue with the addition of Matthew Hutchins, the cinematographer’s husband, as an executive producer.
Mr. Hutchins asserted he had no intention of blaming anyone for his wife’s death, declaring everyone understood it was a tragic accident. The DA’s office assured the settlement wouldn’t impact the investigation or Carmack-Altwies’ decision on whether to proceed with charges.
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