Tuesday, August 16, 2022

OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR RULES RUST SHOOTING ACCIDENTAL

By Bob Walsh


 Halyna Hutchins Alec Baldwin RustHalyna Hutchins (L) was shot dead on the set of Rust (C) by Alec Baldwin (R)

After reviewing all the available data, including the recently completed FBI forensic report on the weapon, the state of New Mexico has determined that the fatal shooting on the RUST movie location was accidental.  The report was released Monday by the Santa Fe County SO.  

The DA could still file criminal charges, but it will now be much harder to prove anything beyond criminal negligence.

The New Mexico OHSB (Occupational Health and Safety Bureau) issued a very telling report back in April concerning failure of safety protocols on the movie set.  This specifically included failure to address two previous unintentional discharges of live ammunition and refused to allow the weapons specialists to make appropriate decisions about safety training.

The Medical Investigator cited the absence of "obvious intent" and the fact that there was no compelling demonstration that the weapon was deliberately loaded with live ammunition on set as a large part of their reasoning in the decision.

No comments: