Cinematographer’s Death on Film Set: Rust Weapons Handler Waives Pretrial Hearing, Trial Looms
The weapons handler for the film Rust has chosen to waive her right to a pretrial hearing, setting the stage for a potential trial in the case surrounding the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins, a cinematographer who was fatally shot on set. The incident occurred when actor Alec Baldwin, who was holding the gun, discharged a live round that struck Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza.
A pretrial hearing, which would have featured testimony from numerous witnesses, including those who witnessed the fatal incident, will no longer take place due to the weapons handler’s decision. The handler’s attorney explained that the standard for a preliminary hearing is quite low for prosecutors and that they plan to challenge the state’s case through alternative procedures in New Mexico.
In January, the weapons handler declined to plead guilty to a charge of felony manslaughter in exchange for avoiding jail time. She contended that she was not offered the same deal as the film’s safety coordinator and first assistant director, who reportedly accepted a plea deal for a misdemeanor charge that carried no prison sentence.
Prosecutors dropped charges against Alec Baldwin in April after unveiling new evidence suggesting that the revolver used in the incident may have had modifications that allowed it to fire without the trigger being pulled. Baldwin had maintained that he did not pull the trigger. The weapons handler’s lawyer criticized the prosecution, accusing them of engaging in character assassination. If convicted, she could potentially face up to three years in prison.
As part of her pretrial release, approved by a New Mexico judge on Thursday, the firearms handler will be subjected to regular drug testing at her own expense. The circumstances surrounding the tragic incident on the set of Rust continue to be scrutinized, and the waiver of the pretrial hearing brings a potential trial closer to reality.
This news highlights the ongoing legal proceedings and developments in the aftermath of Halyna Hutchins’ death. While the investigation is ongoing, it is imperative to allow the judicial process to run its course to establish accountability in this tragic incident on a film set. The case has brought significant attention to safety protocols and practices within the entertainment industry, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
Disclaimer: The above story is purely fictional.
