Halyna Hutchins’ Widower Reacts to Alec Baldwin’s ‘Rust’ Trial Dismissal

Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case, linked to the tragic event on the set of Rust in 2021, has been unexpectedly dismissed. However, this legal break might be temporary as Matthew Hutchins, the widower of the late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, indicates possible new legal action.

Brian J. Parish, legal representative for Matthew Hutchins, issued a statement saying, “We respect the court’s decision. We look forward to presenting all the evidence to a jury and holding Mr. Baldwin accountable for his actions in the senseless death of Halyna Hutchins.” This indicates that the Hutchins family is considering further civil proceedings against Baldwin.

The fatal incident took place on October 21, 2021, when a prop firearm handled by Baldwin unexpectedly discharged a live round during a rehearsal, resulting in Halyna Hutchins’ death and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has repeatedly stated that he cocked the hammer but did not pull the trigger, claiming the weapon fired accidentally.

Initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in January 2023, Baldwin faced up to 18 months in prison if convicted. However, just three days into his trial, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed all charges, citing concerns over crucial evidence supposedly hidden.

This dismissal comes almost two years after Baldwin and the Rust production team reached a settlement with the Hutchins estate to resolve a wrongful death lawsuit. Announced in October 2022, the agreement included financial compensation for the family, plans for a documentary about Halyna Hutchins’ life and work, and the continuation of Rust production with Matthew Hutchins as an executive producer.

At the time of the settlement, Matthew Hutchins stated, “I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin). All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”

However, sources reveal that settlement funds have not been paid as scheduled, with payments now significantly overdue. This delay is reportedly due to disputes between Rust Movie Productions and insurance company Chubb, as well as complications arising from the withdrawal of New Mexico tax incentives intended to fund part of the settlement.

The original wrongful death lawsuit, filed in February 2022, highlighted alleged safety oversights on the Rust set. Despite the settlement and the criminal charges being dismissed, the civil case remains open in New Mexico courts as parties continue to debate liability and insurance issues.

Further complicating matters, reports indicate a documentary filmmaker has been shadowing Baldwin throughout his legal battles in Santa Fe. This individual, described as an award-winning documentarian, appears to be capturing Baldwin’s activities for one of two competing Rust documentaries currently being made.

Meanwhile, the Rust production, which resumed filming in Montana earlier this year, faces an uncertain future. Despite completing filming, the movie has yet to secure a distributor, with ongoing controversy likely affecting potential buyers’ decisions.

Rust attorney Melina Spadone commented on the financial complications, stating, “The denial of the tax credit has disrupted those financial arrangements,” highlighting the complex web of issues surrounding the settlement payments. As this multifaceted story continues to unfold, the renewed legal interest from the Hutchins family suggests that, despite the criminal case dismissal, the quest for accountability is far from over.