Alec Baldwin could face new charges in the “Rust” shooting after a second analysis suggests he pulled the trigger.
Despite his denial, the on-set incident led to the October 2021 death of Halyna Hutchins and the injury of Joel Souza.
In April, involuntary manslaughter charges were dismissed due to suspicions of firearm modification causing malfunction. Prosecutors Kari T. Morrissey and Jason J. Lewi ordered a new analysis of the gun, with the latest report dated August 2, which confirmed no alterations were made.
Firearms specialist Lucien C. Haag and forensic science consultant Michael G. Haag examined the Colt .45 prop revolver, bullets, and film footage.
After replacing damaged gun parts that were identified during FBI analysis, the experts confirmed that the gun functioned as intended.
“Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings, and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver,” Lucien Haag wrote.
“From an examination of the fired cartridge case and the operationally restored evidence revolver, this fatal incident was the consequence of the hammer being manually retracted to its fully rearward and cocked position followed, at some point, by the pull or rearward depression of the trigger,” he said.
The report contained video frames of Baldwin on set, dressed in Western clothing, inside a mock church. Haag said, One frame showed him “pulling back the silver-hued hammer of a lengthy-barreled revolver with his right index finger positioned on or close to the trigger.” Two other frames showed Baldwin’s right index finger “inside the trigger guard and either on or near the trigger,” he concluded.
Morrissey said Wednesday: “Charges against Mr. Baldwin are being considered, but a final decision has not yet been made. We won’t be pressured by Ms. Gutierrez’s attorneys or anyone else in this regard.”
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