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In this image from a video released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Alec Baldwin speaks with investigators after the fatal shooting in the movie, which was filmed in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office via AP, File
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Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office via AP, File
In this image from a video released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Alec Baldwin speaks with investigators after the fatal shooting in the movie, which was filmed in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office via AP, File
SANTA FE, N.M. — A co-defendant in a lawsuit against actor Alec Baldwin in the death of a cinematographer on a film shot in New Mexico in 2021 has been found guilty of unsafe handling of firearms, I was sentenced to 6 months probation.
Safety coordinator and assistant director David Halls also paid a $500 fine, completed a gun safety course, and spent 24 hours after agreeing to a guilty verdict for the death of Halina Hutchins on the set of the western film The Last. You have to serve the community.
Under the plea deal, Halls agreed to testify truthfully at upcoming hearings and trials.
Halls appeared briefly in the video to waive his right to challenge the negligence charges, as state district judge Mary Marlowe Sommer approved the terms of a plea bargain with prosecutors.
Defense attorney Lisa Traco urged the court to avoid a prison sentence, noting that Halls was “extremely traumatized and ‘rattling’ with guilt.”
Hutchins died shortly after being shot during a rehearsal at a movie set ranch outside Santa Fe on October 21, 2021. Baldwin had his pistol pointed at Hutchins when the weapon fired. Her one live round killed her and injured her director Joel Souza.
Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed could face up to 18 months in prison and fines if convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Torako said that before handing the revolver to Baldwin, Halls checked the revolver’s bullets to see if they were dummies or blanks with explosives. “Nobody could have imagined that,” he said.
“When Mr. Gutierrez Reed brought the firearms…on set to the church, he checked the firearms,” she said of Halls. He wouldn’t have. And he, like many others, is extremely traumatized.”
But prosecutor Kari Morrissey said Halls, a veteran filmmaker of more than 30 years, failed to do his duty as the last line of defense for firearms safety, saying the deadly shooting was part of an earlier shootout. Said it happened after two weapons failed on set.
“Mr. Halls did not check all the bullets that were in the gun to make sure they were dummy bullets and not live rounds,” she said. “Then he handed the gun to Mr. Baldwin, and Mr. Baldwin began practicing cross-draw. And during cross-draw practice, the gun fired. Apparently, Mrs. Hutchins was hit by a bullet and killed.” This is the factual basis for Mr. Halls’ acknowledgment of not contesting the dangerous handling of dangerous weapons. ”
In a separate regulatory proceeding, workplace safety officials claimed Halls shared responsibility for identifying and correcting unsafe conditions related to firearm safety in the production of the film.
Halls’ sentencing came on the 30th anniversary of Brandon Lee’s death. The son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee was hit by his .44 slug from the gun that was supposed to have fired a blank shot while filming “The Crow.”
A week-long preliminary hearing in May will determine whether the evidence against Baldwin and Gutierrez Reid is sufficient to proceed to trial.
Judge Marlowe Sommer affirmed in his sentencing that Halls “will testify truthfully at all hearings, trials, or circumstances involving any defendant and co-defendant in this matter.” prosecutors may reopen the case if they violate the terms of the plea bargain.
The Santa Fe District Attorney appointed two special counsels this week, Morrissey and Jason Lewis.
Former special counsel Andrea Reeve resigned following an error in the initial indictment against Baldwin and an allegation that her role as a state legislator created conflicting responsibilities.
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