While no criminal charges have been filed in the October 21 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Alec Baldwin film Rust, authorities say charges can’t yet be “ruled out.”
That’s the word to The New York Post from Juan Rios, the public information officer for the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office. “[H]onestly if people have information, they need to bring it to us…so we can check into that,” Rios said.
Given the number of witnesses, Rios added that the investigation into the incident last Thursday, during which Baldwin fired a live round toward the camera, fatally striking Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza, will be “going on for a while.”
“We need to be diligent…should there be charges ultimately filed that they are able to uphold those in court,” said Rios.
Baldwin and assistant director Dave Halls reportedly told investigators they didn’t know the revolver Baldwin fired contained a live round.
Meanwhile, the film’s gaffer, or set electrician, Serge Sventoy, took to Instagram to post what he said was among the last photos of Hutchins alive — inside the church where the crew was setting up the scene prior to the fatal shot. Sventoy said he was standing “shoulder-to-shoulder” with Hutchins when the shot rang out.
“I was holding in her my arms when she was dying,” he said, adding that the accident was “the fault of negligence and unprofessionalism.”
“The negligence from the person who was supposed to check the weapon…did not do this,” said Svetnoy. “The person who had to announce the loaded weapon was on the site did not do this.”
Hannah Gutierrez Reed was the armorer on the Rust set. Dave Halls is said to have announced that the gun apparently containing a live round was “cold,” meaning safe, before handing it to Baldwin.
“And the DEATH OF THE HUMAN IS THE RESULT!” Svetnoy said.
Meanwhile, ABC News has learned that Rust producers have hired their own legal team to conduct a separate investigation into the events and circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting. The film’s cast and crew were notified of the news Tuesday night in a note that declares, in part, “We know that reliving this tragedy will be hard, but your participation is important for all of us to be able to fully understand what happened, and we encourage you to share your perspective.”
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
Sophia Bush opens up on finding unexpected love with Ashlyn Harris: “I didn’t see it until I saw it”
April 25, 2024
Lauren Dukoff/GlamourActress Sophia Bush is opening up about finding new love with former soccer…
Selena’s boyfriend Benny Blanco says falling for her was a ‘Clueless’ moment
April 25, 2024
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesRemember when Taylor Swift sang, "Dreaming…
‘Beef’ cast, Lucy Liu, Padma Lakshmi, Cynthia Erivo and Saweetie among honorees for 3rd Gold Gala
April 25, 2024
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, 'Beef' - Andrew Cooper/Netflix © 2023The nonprofit Gold House, which…
“Sonorus!” All seven ‘Harry Potter’ books to be released as full-cast audio productions
April 25, 2024
AudibleAudible announced Thursday that it has partnered with the Wizarding World's Pottermore…
Study claims ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ is the easiest reality show to get on
April 25, 2024
FoxIf you wanna be a reality show star, learn to cook.That's because a new study claims two chef…
Sia, Jason Mraz, Billie Eilish and more sign letter protesting “predatory resellers” of concert tickets
April 25, 2024
Disney/Jenny AndersonArtists including Jason Mraz, Billie Eilish and Sia have signed an open letter…
Florence Welch “had such a fun time” recording “Florida!!!” with Taylor Swift
April 25, 2024
Beth GarrabrantFlorence Welch got a taste of what a Taylor Swift release day is like with The…
Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction overturned in New York
April 25, 2024
Weinstein outside of court in New York City in 2020 - Brendan McDermid/Reuters, FILEThe rape…