Alec Baldwin to face civil lawsuit after criminal case dismissal in fatal rust shooting

The dismissal of Alec Baldwin’s criminal charge in the fatal 2021 Rust shooting clears the path for a civil lawsuit from the family of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer killed on set.

Victims’ rights attorney Gloria Allred confirmed Tuesday that Hutchins’ parents and sister are pursuing damages and plan to depose Alec Baldwin under oath in New Mexico civil court.

Hutchins died during a rehearsal at a Santa Fe film ranch when a pistol Baldwin was handling discharged, killing her and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has denied pulling the trigger, stating, “I pulled back the hammer — but not the trigger — and the revolver fired.”

The criminal involuntary manslaughter charge again st Baldwin was dismissed in July after accusations of withheld evidence. Allred criticized New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s decision not to appeal, calling him “the Grinch who stole Christmas.” Torrez’s spokesperson Lauren Rodriguez defended the move, citing “significant procedural irregularities” and a need to focus on other cases.

“We are now able to proceed with our civil case,” Allred said, emphasizing the family’s commitment to holding Baldwin accountable. Hutchins’ sister, Svetlana Zemko, stated, “Mr. Baldwin must be held accountable.”

The lawsuit follows a separate settlement reached with Hutchins’ widower and son.

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