Alec Baldwin acquitted of cinematographer's murder
Actor Alec Baldwin's attorney said Thursday that a New Mexico investigation has cleared his client of wrongdoing in the shooting that killed a cinematographer on the set of "Rust."
The lawyer indicated that the investigation stated that the actor believed that there were no live rounds in his pistol.
On Wednesday, the New Mexico Office of Occupational Health and Safety released the results of a six-month investigation into the October shooting.
The report criticized the producers of the movie "Rust" for "deliberate" security holes that led to the killing of cinematographer Helena Hutchins, and imposed a fine on the company of 137,000 dollars, the highest possible fine.
In response to the findings, Baldwin's attorney said in a statement that his client's authority over production is limited to approval of script modifications and cast selection, and he has no authority over the matters under investigation.
"We appreciate the report's acquittal of Mr. Baldwin by making it clear that he believed there were no shots in the pistol," said the statement, which was posted on Baldwin's Instagram account. "We are pleased that New Mexico officials have clarified these critical matters."
The production company was not immediately available for comment.
Hutchins died during rehearsal when a bullet fired from Baldwin's pistol penetrated her body, and film director Joel Sousa was shot in the shoulder.
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