In today’s breaking news, Oscar-nominated actor Alec Baldwin faces charges of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a cinematographer on a movie set. Prosecutors announced the charges more than a year after the incident occurred on the set of the film Rust. Baldwin’s defense team claims the shooting was an accident, but prosecutors argue there was a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the set. Delaware County criminal defense attorney Enrique Latoison spoke with NBC 10 and Telemundo 60 and provided insight into the case, highlighting the potential role Baldwin’s position as a producer on the film may have played, as well as information about other accidental shootings and staff changes on the set. Tune in to NBC 10 at 4 pm for more on this developing story.

Video Transcript

20 minutes of nonstop news begins with Alec Baldwin facing charges in the death of a cinematographer on a movie set. Prosecutors announced the Oscar-nominated actor will be charged with involuntary manslaughter. Thank you for joining us this afternoon. I’m Jacqueline London.

And I’m Johnny Archer. A weapons specialist who was working on the film will also be charged for what prosecutors cited as a criminal disregard for safety. NBC Ten and Telemundo 60 two’s Valeria Aponte Feliciano joins us now with more on the charges.

That’s right, Jackie and Johnny, let’s talk about that because the charges come more than a year after cinematographer Helena Hutchins was shot and killed on the set of the movie Rust. Baldwin says the shooting was an accident, but prosecutors say there was a pattern of criminal regard for safety on the set of the movie in New Mexico. Baldwin was also a producer of the film. We talked with an attorney in our area who says that could have played a role in the case.

There was information that there were two other accidental shootings. There was also information that came out that some of the staff there was changeover. There were people that were quitting. There were different people that were maybe not being used. Also, you got to take into account a third thing. He was actually the producer of this movie and of course, he’s the person who actually pulled the trigger, so he actually had more control over your normal actor.

Now, Baldwin’s lawyer issued a statement that reads in part, this decision distorts Helena Hutchins’s tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice. Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun or anywhere on the movie set. He relied on the professionals with whom he worked who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges and we will win. Involuntary manslaughter in New Mexico is a fourth-degree felony. Baldwin could face up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine if found guilty. The DA’s office says the movie’s first assistant director has already agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon. I’m Valeria Aponte Feliciano back. Jacqueline, back to you.

Thank you, Valeria.

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