Revealed
FATAL FILM ACCIDENT
Alec Baldwin shooting timeline: What happened to Halyna Hutchins?
The victim's family has been seeking justice for what happened to her
WHILE filming for Joel Souza's Rust, production was suddenly stopped when an accidental shooting led to Halyna Hutchins' death.
Since both Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were charged in connection to the tragedy, the case has seen a series of legal procedures.
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October 6, 2021 - Rust begins production
Filming for Rust begins in Bonanza City, New Mexico.
Directed and written by Joel Souza, the movie is led by Alec Baldwin.
The latter is also a producer credited for the western's story.
The late Halyna Hutchins served as Rust's cinematographer.
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October 21, 2021 - Unexpected shooting death of Halyna Hutchins
Due to safety concerns, several Rust crew members vacated the set.
That same Thursday, a prop gun held by Baldwin was unexpectedly discharged.
The misfire fatally shot 42-year-old Hutchins and struck Souza.
Hutchins was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
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Souza was taken to Christus St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Baldwin cooperated with the Sante Fe Police Department as law enforcement and the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau launched an investigation into the shooting.
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"OHSB is investigating the incident in coordination with law enforcement, the employer, and employees," stated the bureau.
"No additional information will be released at this time, pending completion of the investigation."
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October 22, 2021 - Joel Souza released from hospital
Souza is treated for his injuries and discharged from the hospital.
Meanwhile, Baldwin releases a statement via Twitter.
"1- There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother, and deeply admired colleague of ours," tweeted Baldwin.
"I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and...
"2- I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family.
"My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna."
October 23, 2021 - Alec Baldwin meets with Halyna Hutchins' family
Baldwin meets with Hutchins' husband, Matthew, and her son for breakfast in Sante Fe, New Mexico.
"This is a one in a trillion episode," Baldwin told ABC's 20/20.
"The guy [Matthew Hutchins] is overwhelmed with grief.
"There are incidental accidents on film sets from time to time, but nothing like this.
"She [Halyna Hutchins] was someone who was loved by everyone who worked with [her] and liked by everyone who worked with her and admired.
"I mean, even now I find it hard to believe that [she's gone]. It doesn't seem real to me."
October 24, 2021 - Rust suspends production
A letter is sent to the cast and crew of Rust, revealing a pause on production until the police investigation is complete.
“Our hearts are with all of you, as we all go through this tragic time and mourn the loss of our colleague and dear friend, Halyna Hutchins," the letter read.
"We are family and we must stand beside each other as families do in difficult times.
"We remain in close touch with Halyna’s family and commend the strength they show in the face of unspeakable tragedy. It is beyond an inspiration.
"As we go through this crisis, we have made the decision to wrap the set at least until the investigations are complete.
"Although our hearts are broken, and it is hard to see beyond the horizon, this is, at the moment, a pause rather than an end.
"The spirit that brought us all to this special place remains.”
February 15, 2022 - Halyna Hutchins' family files lawsuit
Hutchins' family sues Baldwin over the "reckless" shooting death on the Rust film set.
The family also files a lawsuit against El Dorado Pictures, Rust Movie Productions, and Short Porch Pictures.
"Halyna Hutchins deserved to live," stated the legal documents.
"The Defendants had the power to prevent her death if they had only held sacrosanct their duty to protect the safety of every individual on a set where firearms were present instead of cutting corners on safety procedures where human lives were at stake, rushing to stay on schedule and ignoring numerous complaints of safety violation."
October 5, 2022 - Hutchins family drops lawsuit against Baldwin
The Hutchins family settles their lawsuit against Baldwin and the abovementioned defendants.
The settlement's details were sealed by the court.
However, it was revealed that Halyna's son, Andros, is to receive his portion of the settlement in annuities that will be periodically paid when he reaches the ages of 18 and 22.
All parties agreed to hire Matthew Hutchins as one of Rust's executive producers.
"All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident," the Hutchins family told the court.
"I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.
"I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame [to the producers or Mr. Baldwin]."
January 31, 2023 - Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are charged
Formal charges were brought against Baldwin and Rust armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
Both parties were charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter and pleaded not guilty.
"This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice," announced Baldwin's lawyer, Luke Nikas.
"Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun, or anywhere on the movie set.
"He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds.
"We will fight these charges and we will win."
This same month, Rust was scheduled to resume production.
However, the legal proceedings further suspended filming.
April 20, 2023 - Baldwin's charges dismissed
The two counts of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin were dropped.
In a statement, the 30 Rock alum's lawyers said: "We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident."
Rust also resumed filming and Baldwin returned to set on April 24 of the abovementioned year.
Production concluded on May 22, 2023.
January 19, 2024 - Baldwin charged again
For a second time, Baldwin is charged with the involuntary manslaughter of 42-year-old Halyna.
Once again, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In response to the indictment, Baldwin's lawyers said in a statement: "We look forward to our day in court."
Meanwhile, the legal team for the Hutchins family shared: "The grand jury has decided that there is sufficient evidence to indict Alec Baldwin on the charge of involuntary manslaughter.
"We are looking forward to the criminal trial which will determine if he should be convicted for the untimely death of Halyna."
March 6, 2024 - Hannah Gutierrez-Reed verdict
Gutierrez-Reed is found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
However, the tampering with evidence charge was dismissed.
Regarding the guilty verdict, the Hutchins family's legal team commented: "Today was the first trial and conviction in the criminal justice process.
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"We look forward to the justice system continuing to make sure that everyone else who is responsible for Halyna’s death is required to face the legal consequences for their actions."
July 10, 2024 - Baldwin's trial commences
A jury is selected and opening statements begin for Baldwin's manslaughter trial.