Rust production company agrees to pay $100k fine after fatal shooting
The production company behind the film Rust has agreed to pay a fine of 100,000 US dollars to the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021,
The bureau issued a fine of 136,793 US dollars (£104,810) to the production company last April, the maximum allowable by state law in New Mexico.
Under the settlement, which is pending approval, the bureau downgraded its claim from “wilful-serious” to a “serious” violation.
It comes a day after actor Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to two charges of involuntary manslaughter over the death of Ms Hutchins.
The actor will next face a preliminary hearing at a date yet to be set, which will determine whether or not the case will go to trial.
Alec was charged by the Santa Fe District Attorney’s office last month over the shooting of Ms Hutchins in October 2021.
Melina Spadone, senior counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and lawyer for Rust Movie Productions, said: “We are pleased to have entered into an agreement with OHSB, subject to approval, which downgrades the citation and reduces penalties.
“Our top priority has always been resuming production and completing this film so we can honour the life and work of Halyna Hutchins.
“Settling this case rather than litigating is how we can best move forward to achieve that goal.”
Halyna died in October 2021 after a prop gun held by actor Alec, 64, was discharged.
Director Joel Souza was also wounded in the shooting on the Bonanza Creek Ranch set near Santa Fe, Arizona.
The film’s armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is also being charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter over the death of Ms Hutchins on the film’s Santa Fe County set.
Assistant director David Halls has signed a plea agreement for the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon, the DA’s office said.
No charges will be filed specific to the non-fatal shooting of Rust director Joel Souza.
“After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew,” Mary Carmack-Altwies said.
“On my watch, no-one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”
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