New Mexico sheriff releases ‘Rust’ movie shooting investigation

Nov 18 (Reuters) – A New Mexico sheriff’s workplace on Friday launched 551 pages of paperwork from his investigation into the deadly taking pictures of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins final yr on the set of Western film “Rust,” as a state prosecutor determined whether or not to press legal prices.

Amongst paperwork launched by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Workplace have been accounts of interviews with witnesses, together with star Alec Baldwin, and textual content messages and emails from crew and forged members typically detailing chaotic and acrimonious situations on set previous to Hutchins’ demise on Oct. 21, 2021.

However the paperwork supplied no conclusive solutions on how reside ammunition obtained onto the film set and into a reproduction Colt .45-caliber revolver that was fired by Baldwin and killed Hutchins.

Baldwin was handed the gun throughout a rehearsal at a ranch outdoors Santa Fe. A reside spherical hit her and film director Joel Souza, who survived.

Baldwin is amongst as much as 4 individuals who might face legal prices for the demise of the cinematographer, New Mexico District Legal professional Mary Carmack-Altwies mentioned in September. Carmack-Altwies’ workplace had no touch upon Friday.

Baldwin, the “30 Rock” and “Saturday Evening Stay” actor, has denied duty for Hutchins’ demise and mentioned reside rounds ought to by no means have been allowed onto the set of the low-budget film.

In police interviews and lawsuit filings, the movie’s armorer, first assistant director, prop provider and prop grasp all denied culpability for the taking pictures.

New Mexico’s employee security company in April fined the movie’s manufacturing firm the utmost quantity doable for what it described as “willful” security lapses resulting in Hutchins’ demise.

An FBI report mentioned 5 reside bullets have been discovered on a props trolley and in a bandolier and holster close to the movie-set church the place Hutchins was shot.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned it is going to launch extra information on the case by Dec. 20. It was unclear when prices is likely to be filed.

Reporting by Andrew Hay in Taos, New Mexico. Modifying by Donna Bryson and Rosalba O’Brien

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