Baldwin not guilty of shooting death on film set

Feb. 23—Actor Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty Thursday and canceled a virtual first appearance hearing scheduled for Friday in New Mexico’s First Judicial District Court.

The actor has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the October 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halina Hutchins at Bonanza Creek Ranch while filming the movie Rust.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer set Baldwin’s release conditions Thursday, including a condition that the actor cannot drink alcohol or possess firearms. However, he is allowed to contact potential witnesses while Rust works to complete an order setting the conditions of release filed in First Judicial District Court. The filmmakers announced Wednesday that they plan to resume production in Montana this spring.

“The defendant is not permitted to discuss the accident or the material of his or witnesses’ potential testimony in this case,” the order said.

Co-defendant Hannah Gutierrez-Reid, who served as Rusty’s gunman and is also charged with involuntary manslaughter, did not leave Friday afternoon for her initial appearance hearing scheduled for mid-morning.

Assistant director David Halls – charged with negligent use of a firearm – waived his first appearance on Wednesday. He has a plea conference March 8 in First Judicial District Court, according to online court records.