New Evidence Surfaces in the Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ Shooting Case
New documents filed by prosecutors handling the case of the fatal shooting on the set of the movie ‘Rust’ allege that lead actor and producer Alec Baldwin showed negligence and disregarded safety protocols. In a 316 page response filed against Baldwin’s recent motion to dismiss the case. District Attorney Mary Morrissey and Assistant DA Jason Lewis present new evidence they say contradicts Baldwin’s own statements.
The filing claims that Baldwin, as the top star and producer, had control over aspects of production and rushed the crew. It also states that witnesses reported Baldwin was frequently screaming and cursing on set in an uncontrolled manner. Prosecutors argue this type of behavior contributed to the lax atmosphere. That led to the accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Baldwin’s Story Changed Over Time
Prosecutors point out inconsistencies between Baldwin’s initial interview with police and later accounts to ABC News. In his first statement, Baldwin said armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed handed him the gun and Joel Souza never did. However, in the ABC special, Baldwin said it was Souza instructing him where to point the gun just before it went off, not Hutchins. The filing alleges Baldwin “lied with impunity” in his attempts to shift blame.
As the trial for involuntary manslaughter is scheduled for July, this new evidence filed by Morrissey and Lewis aims to show Baldwin was criminally negligent and his own actions contributed to the tragedy. How the judge rules on these allegations could have major implications for the case going forward.
