Seems appropriate. Baldwin probably did not intend to kill or injure anyone, but there are certainly suggestions that he was reckless or negligent (I would think both as the producer of this film production and the person who almost certainly pulled the trigger* that resulted in the death of Halyna Hutchins).
Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed will both be charged “in the alternative,” meaning the jury will decide which of the two charges — involuntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act — they are or are not guilty of. Both felony charges hold a maximum prison sentence of 18 months and a fine of up to $5,000.
Whether the prosecutor will be able to convict Alec remains to be seen. The amorer is also being charged and Baldwin should join her. The person who handed Baldwin the gun has already plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge.
*Baldwin has repeatedly denied that, even though everyone says he was holding the gun that killed Hutchins, but that gun did not shoot itself.
Legal Analysis: Andrew Branca (as usual) lays out the legal issues well:
For you to find the defendant guilty of involuntary manslaughter, the state must prove to your satisfaction beyond a reasonable doubt each of the following elements of the crime:
- [Alec Baldwin] [pointed a loaded firearm at Ms. Hutchins and depressed the trigger, firing a bullet into her] ;
- [Alec Baldwin] should have known of the danger involved by [Alec Baldwin’s] actions;
- [Alec Baldwin] acted with a willful disregard for the safety of others;
- [Alec Baldwin’s] act caused the death of [Ms. Hutchins];
- This happened in New Mexico on or about the 21st day of October, 2021.
Instapundit: Sometimes it is best not to stay quiet and Legal Insurrection: Branca concluded involuntary manslaughter is the right charge
No comments:
Post a Comment
I welcome all legitimate comments. Keep it civil. Spam will be deleted. Thanks.