A grand jury in New Mexico has recently indicted Alec Baldwin with an additional charge of involuntary manslaughter related to the fatal movie set shooting in October 2021. 

Previous charges against the Emmy award-winning actor were dropped in April, just before a scheduled trial. 

Local prosecutors presented “additional facts” from forensic tests on the weapon used in the shooting, prompting the new charge. 

Baldwin’s attorneys expressed readiness for the upcoming legal proceedings. The incident occurred during the filming of the Western film “Rust” when a gun Baldwin was practicing with discharged, fatally injuring cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. 

Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger, asserting he was unaware of live rounds on set. Forensic experts’ findings led to the conclusion that the trigger had to be pulled for the incident to occur. The indictment, issued under two legal theories, alleges negligence or acting with “total disregard or indifference for the safety of others.” 

If convicted, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison. The family of Halyna Hutchins looks forward to the criminal trial, seeking accountability. The new charge comes a year after the initial manslaughter charge was dropped due to gun modification concerns. 

Rust, completed as a tribute to Hutchins, awaits distribution. 

The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, and first assistant director Dave Halls faced legal consequences, with Gutierrez-Reed standing trial next month, and Halls receiving probation for negligent weapon use. 

Hutchins’ family secured a portion of Rust’s profits in a wrongful death settlement approved in June.