The first assistant director on “Rust” who involuntarily killed actor-producer Alec Baldwin’s cinematographer was given a six-month suspended sentence after a plea deal Friday.
• Read more: Shooting death: Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to manslaughter
• Read more: Alec Baldwin is being sued by the family of Halina Hutchins
• Read more: Deadly shooting on a set: Alec Baldwin files a complaint
It was the first conviction in the case for negligent use of a deadly weapon.
It was this first assistant, Dave Halls, who on October 21, 2021 handed Alec Baldwin a weapon to be loaded with blank bullets, which the actor activated, killing Halina Hutchins and injuring director Joel Sosa.
Dave Halls, 63, gave him a weapon, telling him he wasn’t, in Hollywood jargon, “cool” or dangerous.
Alec Baldwin and the gunman, Hannah Gutierrez-Reid, were both charged with manslaughter and face up to 18 months in prison and $5,000 in fines.
The police investigation focused specifically on determining how live ammunition could have been found in this shooting at a ranch in New Mexico, which is strictly prohibited, precisely to avoid accidents.
AFP
Police have determined that Hannah Gutierrez-Reid put ammunition in the gun used by Alec Baldwin instead of a dummy bullet.
During Friday’s hearing in a New Mexico court, attorney Gary Morrissey assessed that Dave Halls, who also served as the security coordinator for the low-budget shoot and created the “last line of defense,” “didn’t check everything.” cartridge in the gun to ensure they are empty”.
Alec Baldwin, 64, best known for his 30 Rock series, said he was always assured his gun was harmless.
By pleading guilty Friday, Dave Halls agrees to testify in the matter in the future.
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