Alec Baldwin could still face involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the 2021 shooting on the “Rust” set that left cinematographer Halyna Hutchins dead and injured director Joel Souza.
Two sources told NBC News that New Mexico prosecutors intend to recharge the 65-year-old actor after previously dropping the criminal charges against him, citing “new facts.” The sources also said the case could be brought before a grand jury by mid-November.
“We believe that based on our lengthy and detailed investigation that it is appropriate for a grand jury in New Mexico to make a decision on whether the case should proceed,” one of the prosecutors, Kari T. Morrissey, told The New York Times.
After dropping the charges earlier this year, prosecutors said, “This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled.”
“The gun and broken sear have been sent to the state’s independent expert for further testing,” the office said at the time. “The charges against Alec Baldwin were dismissed without prejudice because a possible malfunction of the gun significantly affects causation with regard to Baldwin, not with regard to Gutierrez. If it is determined that the gun did not malfunction, charges against Mr. Baldwin will proceed.”
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In October 2021, the “30 Rock” star was involved in the shooting of Hutchins on the New Mexico film set. The firearm Baldwin was holding discharged a bullet. Baldwin has repeatedly maintained that there was “no trigger pull.”
The state of New Mexico brought in gun analysts Lucien Haag and Mike Haag in its case against “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to determine if the gun had been modified.
“Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver,” the analysts concluded.
In January 2023, The Santa Fe County District Attorney’s Office charged Baldwin with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The charges were dismissed without prejudice in April.
Gutierrez-Reed was charged with involuntary manslaughter and is expected to plead not guilty, NBC News noted. Her trial is set for February 2024.
Related: Experts Find Alec Baldwin Did Pull Trigger In ‘Rust’ Shooting, Could Still Face Charges