Posted: 2023-02-10 08:35:51

The Ukrainian parents and sister of Halyna Hutchins have filed a civil lawsuit against actor Alec Baldwin and others over the cinematographer's death in New Mexico on the set of Rust, the family's lawyer says. 

The announcement follows a Santa Fe prosecutor charging Mr Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in January, accusing him of reckless disregard for safety when a revolver he was holding fired a live round that killed Ms Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza in 2021.

Mr Baldwin settled a separate wrongful-death lawsuit in October brought by Ms Hutchins's husband Matt over the fatal shooting on the film set.

Ms Hutchins was born in Ukraine, where her parents and sister live near Kyiv.

Their lawsuit seeks unspecified compensation, under New Mexican law, from Mr Baldwin, crew members and producers for the loss of their relative, attorney Gloria Allred said.

"Anyone who is responsible for her loss must be held accountable," Ms Hutchins' sister Svetlana said.

Luke Nikas, a lawyer representing Mr Baldwin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ms Allred said the settlement with Mr Hutchins was for him and the couple's son and she was representing other members of the family.

A police car blocks a road.
The set of Rust where director of photography Halyna Hutchins was shot dead in New Mexico. (Santa Fe New Mexican via AP: Luis Sanchez-Saturno)

She said the cinematographer's relatives in Ukraine were in communication with Mr Hutchins.

Under the settlement, filming of the movie was set to resume in early 2023 with Mr Hutchins serving as executive producer, Mr Baldwin remaining in the lead role and Mr Souza directing.

a picture of halyna hutchins smiling propped up on an easel at a vigil
A vigil was held in honour of Halyna Hutchins in Albuquerque after her death in 2021. (Reuters: Kevin Mohatt)

In a 2021 television interview, Mr Baldwin said he was told the gun was empty and Ms Hutchins directed him to point it toward the camera and cock it.

He said the revolver fired when he let go of the hammer and he did not pull the trigger.

An FBI test of the revolver found it would not fire unless the trigger was pulled.

Reuters

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