While Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter charges related to the "Rust" shooting have been dropped, the film's weapons supervisor, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, still faces the same charges. Prosecutors now suggest Gutierrez-Reed may have been hungover on the day of the accident, claiming she was drinking and smoking marijuana during the evenings of filming. They allege this could have contributed to her loading a live round into the revolver Baldwin used, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injury to director Joel Souza.
Gutierrez-Reed's defense is pushing for dismissal of the charges, but the prosecution points to her alleged "reckless conduct" and the public interest in holding her accountable.
Gutierrez-Reed's attorney, Jason Bowles, criticizes the prosecution's approach, claiming they are resorting to "character assassination" and neglecting the pursuit of truth. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August to determine if the case has enough merit to proceed.
Prosecutors also indicate they will decide within 60 days whether to refile charges against Baldwin, pending further analysis of the gun and its broken sear by an independent expert. Baldwin's initial charges were dropped in April due to new evidence requiring further investigation. His lawyers welcomed the dismissal and called for a thorough investigation.
Baldwin has resumed filming "Rust" in a new location, Montana, but still faces civil lawsuits from Hutchins' family and script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, both represented by Gloria Allred. Allred emphasizes their commitment to holding Baldwin accountable for Hutchins' death, despite his denial of pulling the trigger. Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger.
