Alec Baldwin's Criminal Case Dismissed, Civil Lawsuit Looms

Following the dismissal of the criminal case against Alec Baldwin concerning the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, her family is now pursuing a civil lawsuit. Attorney Gloria Allred declared her intentions, expressing that justice for Hutchins has not been served despite the criminal verdict.

Alec Baldwin’s legal battles have taken a new turn as a New Mexico judge has dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against him, enabling the late Halyna Hutchins' family to pursue a civil lawsuit. Prominent attorney Gloria Allred, who represents Hutchins' relatives, announced at a press conference that they are committed to holding Baldwin and others involved in the “Rust” production accountable for Hutchins’ tragic death.

Hutchins was fatally shot during a rehearsal on October 21, 2021, when Baldwin, serving as both the lead actor and producer of the film, discharged a firearm that struck her while wounding director Joel Souza. Allred emphasized the necessity for justice for Hutchins' family, asserting that although Baldwin's rights were preserved during the criminal proceedings, those of the victims were compromised.

Baldwin has consistently denied negligence or responsibility for Hutchins' death and has sought to put a hold on the civil litigation. Hutchins' sister, Svetlana Zemko, expressed the family's determination through Allred, stating the need for Baldwin to be held accountable for the incident. Meanwhile, the movie's weapons supervisor, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is currently serving a 1.5-year prison sentence for her involuntary manslaughter conviction linked to Hutchins’ death.

The dismissal has drawn criticism from Allred, who chastised New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez for his inaction regarding Baldwin’s criminal charges, labeling him as “the Grinch who stole Christmas.” A spokesperson for Torrez responded, indicating that the decision was made to avoid extending the Hutchins family's distress and highlighting that other victims' families also require attention and support in New Mexico.