Filming of the Western movie “Rust” began in October 2021 at Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. The small cast and crew faced long hours and safety concerns, prompting the camera crew to walk off the set on October 20. The next day, a gun Alec Baldwin was holding discharged, fatally wounding cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin received the gun from assistant director Dave Halls, who, along with armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, allegedly claimed it was “cold,” indicating it contained no live ammunition.

December 2021: Baldwin’s First Interview Post-Tragedy

Alec Baldwin makes a gun with his fingers while speaking with investigators following the “Rust” movie shooting that left cinematographer Halyna Hutchins dead in October 2021.

In December 2021, Baldwin gave his first interview since the incident. He explained the gun’s discharge to ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, emphasizing he did not pull the trigger. “I let go of the hammer of the gun,” Baldwin said. “And the gun goes off.” Baldwin insisted the gun was supposed to be empty. He and Hutchins were setting up a shot where Baldwin would draw the gun and point it at the camera, with Hutchins guiding him. The gun, however, fired unexpectedly.

April 2022: Release of ‘Rust’ Evidence

On April 25, 2022, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department released a comprehensive database of evidence, including police interviews with Baldwin, Gutierrez Reed, and Halls. In one video, Baldwin demonstrated the shooting, showing how he aimed away from the camera, yet the gun discharged and struck Hutchins. Authorities spent over a year investigating before any charges were filed against the “Rust” cast and crew.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died on the “Rust” set in October 2021.

January 2023: Initial Involuntary Manslaughter Charges

Fifteen months after the shooting, Baldwin faced two counts of involuntary manslaughter, formally charged on January 31, 2023, along with the film’s armorer. District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies stated, “In New Mexico, no one is above the law, and justice will be served.” Baldwin’s preliminary hearing was scheduled for May. Shortly after, Carmack-Altwies stepped down from the case, appointing Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis as special prosecutors.

Alec Baldwin is shown sitting in the church where Halyna Hutchins was killed in outtakes from the “Rust” production used during Hannah Gutierrez Reed’s trial.

April 2023: Charges Dismissed

In April 2023, special prosecutors dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin. Baldwin’s lawyers, Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas, welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. The prosecution, however, noted that Baldwin could still face charges pending further forensic analysis.

Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, pictured here, and partner Jason Lewis took over the “Rust” case from the New Mexico district attorney.

January 2024: New Charges Filed

Baldwin’s legal troubles resurfaced when a grand jury indicted him on two counts of involuntary manslaughter on January 19, 2024, more than two years after the shooting. The indictment followed nearly nine months after the preliminary hearing was canceled. Baldwin’s legal team remained resolute, expressing confidence in their defense.

February 2024: Gutierrez Reed’s Trial

The trial for Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the “Rust” armorer, began on February 21, 2024. The jury heard testimony from weapons experts, FBI agents, Santa Fe County authorities, and crew members who witnessed the shooting. Prosecutors argued that Gutierrez Reed failed in her duties as armorer, while her defense claimed insufficient evidence for conviction.

A jury found Hannah Gutierrez Reed guilty of involuntary manslaughter on March 6.

April 2024: Gutierrez Reed Sentenced

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer sentenced Gutierrez Reed to 18 months in prison after a jury found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Judge Sommer criticized Gutierrez Reed’s recklessness, stating, “You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon. But for you, Mrs. Hutchins would be alive.”

‘Rust’ armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed looks distraught in a light green jumpsuit in court.

July 2024: Baldwin’s Trial Begins

Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial commenced on July 9, 2024, in a Santa Fe courthouse. Baldwin faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter and, if convicted, could be sentenced to up to 18 months in prison. Jury selection occurred on the first day, with 16 jurors, including four alternates, chosen. Special prosecutor Erlinda Johnson and Baldwin’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, delivered opening statements on July 10. Baldwin has been supported throughout the trial by his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, and his brother, Stephen Baldwin.

Alec Baldwin interacts with his wife Hilaria Baldwin during his hearing in Santa Fe County District Court, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Santa Fe, N.M