Halyna Hutchins’ Widower Vows to Bring Alec Baldwin Back to Court After Case Dismissal

The widower of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has vowed to bring Alec Baldwin back to court on civil charges after the criminal case against the actor was dismissed. Baldwin broke down in the Santa Fe courtroom on Friday when the judge threw out involuntary manslaughter charges against him, stating that the state had withheld evidence. This decision came nearly three years after the tragic incident on the set of the Western film Rust, which led to multiple legal battles.

In October 2021, Baldwin was rehearsing a scene with a loaded gun when it accidentally discharged, fatally wounding Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter in 2023. Following the collapse of the criminal case, Matthew Hutchins’ lawyer hinted at future court proceedings involving Baldwin. “We respect the court’s decision,” attorney Brian Parish told Deadline. “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.”

Although criminal charges may not be refiled against Baldwin, civil lawsuits remain a possibility. This could be a continuation of a wrongful death lawsuit settled in 2022 between Matthew Hutchins and Baldwin, along with the movie’s producers. The settlement terms included financial compensation for Hutchins’ estate, which also benefits her 11-year-old son. However, court filings indicate that Matthew Hutchins has not received these settlement payments promptly.

While it is unknown if Matthew Hutchins will pursue the matter in court again, Parish mentioned to The York Times this week that the movie producers were “in breach of the agreement.” Baldwin might also face additional civil actions from other members of Hutchins’ family. Gloria Allred, the prominent attorney representing Hutchins’ parents and sister, affirmed at a Friday news conference that they would continue their civil lawsuit. “We will continue to champion the truth. That Alec Baldwin is responsible for Halyna’s death,” Allred stated. “We are dedicated to holding Alec Baldwin and the entire ‘Rust’ production team accountable in our civil lawsuit.”

Allred emphasized their intent to seek a jury trial unless Baldwin resolves the matter meaningfully. Baldwin has insisted on his innocence, claiming he was unaware the gun contained live ammunition and that he did not pull the trigger. In March, a jury found Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer who handed Baldwin the gun, guilty of involuntary manslaughter related to the accidental shooting. Gutierrez-Reed has filed a motion to dismiss her case, citing the same misconduct alleged in Baldwin’s trial after its collapse.

As the legal drama unfolds, Baldwin’s next steps remain uncertain. He continues to maintain that he bears no responsibility for the tragic accident, while Hutchins’ family and legal representatives are steadfast in their commitment to seeking justice through the court system.

Source: Deadline, The York Times