The day before there was still speculation whether actor Alec Baldwin would enter into a "plea deal" before the trial over the death of Halyna Hutchins. He would have pleaded guilty and received a lesser sentence. The actor, on the other hand, sees no guilt in himself and pleads "not guilty".
Hollywood star Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty in the case of a camerawoman killed by a bullet during a western shoot. The 64-year-old set up this plea in writing on Thursday at a Los Angeles court. This eliminates Baldwin's personal appearance in court, which many are expecting today. The actor is charged with negligent homicide.
On October 21, 2021, Baldwin accidentally shot and killed 42-year-old Halyna Hutchins with a Colt 45 while filming the low-budget western Rust in the US state of New Mexico. Director Joel Souza was seriously injured by the shot. The revolver was apparently accidentally loaded with a real bullet by on-set gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. She also has to answer for negligent homicide in court.
A few days ago, Baldwin had won a legal battle over the death. Prosecutors refrained from citing aggravating circumstances in their indictment after a challenge by Baldwin's attorneys. This means that the 64-year-old faces up to a year and a half in prison if convicted instead of the previous five.
Several civil lawsuits are also pending against Baldwin in the matter. The plaintiffs include Hutchins' parents and sister, who live in Ukraine. According to their lawyer, the relatives in Ukraine are demanding damages in an undisclosed amount. Baldwin and other "Rust" producers have already reached an out-of-court settlement with Hutchins' widower.
Baldwin, known for films such as 'The Hunt for Red October' and 'The Temptation of Blondes' and the series '30 Rock', has denied any responsibility for Hutchins' death. He claims he had no way of knowing there was live ammunition in the Colt.
