The ‘Rust’ cinematographer’s widower, who was killed on set when Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on set, WILL testify at the actor’s involuntary manslaughter trial
- Matthew Hutchins is scheduled to testify against Alec Baldwin in court on February 24
- He supports the charges against the actor, although he previously expressed “no interest in allegations”.
- The widower settled a lawsuit against Baldwin last year and became executive producer of Rust as part of the deal.
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins’ husband is likely to testify in court after she was killed by a bullet in Alec Baldwin’s ‘prop’ pistol.
According to documents, Matthew Hutchins was placed on the New Mexico District Attorney’s witness list to testify at the Feb. 24 preliminary hearing against Baldwin and Rust gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were formally charged last month with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Halyna in low-budget western New Mexico, set in October 2021.
Prosecutors allege that Baldwin pulled the trigger on the gun that killed Hutchins while Gutierrez-Reed failed to ensure that it was discharged.
The widower, who shared a nine-year-old son with Halyna, sued the Rust production team last year and was named CEO as part of the settlement. He had previously expressed “no interest in allegations”.
Matthew Hutchins (left) was added to the New Mexico District Attorney’s witness roll to testify against Alec Baldwin at the February 24 preliminary hearing. Matthew is pictured above with Halyna and their now nine-year-old son
Baldwin was formally charged last month with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Halyna in New Mexico, a low-budget western set in October 2021
The extensive list of witnesses includes director Joel Souza, who was wounded by the bullet that went through Halyna, and assistant director David Halls.
Halls is accused of telling Baldwin the gun was “cold” – sure – an allegation he has denied. In January, he settled with prosecutors on a plea deal that included a six-month suspended sentence and a fine.
Prop master Seth Kenney, camera assistant Lane Luper, executive producer Gabrielle Pickle and script director Maime Mitchell are also likely to testify.
Mitchell was the first to call 911 after Hutchins was shot. The Script Supervisor was closest to Hutchins when the bullet was fired from Baldwin’s gun.
She previously filed her own lawsuit against Baldwin and others on the Western film set in 2021. The lawsuit alleges physical harm, intentional infliction of emotional distress and intentional infliction of harm. It also states that the scene that was filmed did not require a gun to be fired.
Meanwhile, Baldwin and Guitierrez-Reed have both denied the involuntary manslaughter charge, with the gunsmith claiming she was “stretched too thin” on the set of the low-budget film.
Prosecutors allege Baldwin pulled the trigger on the gun that killed Hutchins on set
Gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 25, (left) is also said to be charged with involuntary manslaughter. Dave Halls, the assistant director, has pleaded guilty to charges of negligent use of a deadly weapon
Rust script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, the first person to call 911 after Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot by Alec Baldwin on the film’s set last month, broke down in tears in 2021 when she announced she was pursuing a lawsuit against Baldwin and other producers of the film Submits low-budget western film. She will likely appear as a witness in court
Halyna Hutchins with her husband Matthew, a film producer, and their son Andros, who was eight when his mother was shot on the set of Rust in New Mexico
Although the lawsuit was settled last year and Matthew claimed he did not want any further “accusations,” Halyna’s family said last month that they support Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter charge.
The Hutchins family, including Matthew, welcomed the decision through their attorney, Brian J. Panish, who said, “It is a comfort to the family that no one is above the law in New Mexico.”
Panish added that Hutchins was killed “in a knowing disregard for human life” and stated that an “independent investigation also supports the merits of the charges.”
Matthew, who called Baldwin “supportive” in the immediate aftermath of Halyna’s death, said after the settlement was finalized, “I have no interest in allegations or blame (on the producers or Mr. Baldwin).”
He added: “We all believe Halyna’s death was a horrible accident. I’m grateful that the producers and entertainment community came together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”
It’s not clear why the Hutchins family now supports the charges against Baldwin.
If convicted, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed face a maximum of 18 months in prison if convicted.