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Family of slain 'Rust' cinematographer Halyna Hutchins reaches settlement with producers

Alec Baldwin accidentally shot Hutchins on set of the movie Western.

October 5, 2022, 1:53 PM

The family of slain "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has reached a settlement in its wrongful death lawsuit against the producers of the film.

"We have reached a settlement, subject to court approval, for our wrongful death case against the producers of Rust, including Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC. As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed," said Matthew Hutchins, her husband.

The statement from Matthew Hutchins, released by his attorney Brian Panish, also said he will now take over as executive producer of the film, which will resume filming in January with all of the principal actors.

"I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin)," he said. "All of us believe Halyna's death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna's final work."

An image of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died after being shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of his movie "Rust", is displayed at a vigil in her honor in Albuquerque, N.M., Oct. 23, 2021.
Kevin Mohatt/Reuters, FILE

Halyna Hutchins was working as cinematographer on the Western starring Baldwin when she was shot and killed by Baldwin during an accident while he was practicing using a handgun on set last October. Director Joel Souza was also injured in the shooting.

"Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna's son," Baldwin's lawyer, Luke Nikas, said in a statement. "We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation."

Hutchins, 42, has a son, Andros, with Matthew. He was just 9 years old at the time of his mother's death.

The lawsuit, filed in February, alleged reckless behavior and cost cutting by Baldwin and others led to Hutchins' death. Others named in the lawsuit include the armorer, the assistant director, who is alleged to have handed Baldwin the revolver that killed Hutchins, and several producers.

Baldwin has been cooperating with investigators since the shooting.

The Bonanza Creek Ranch, where the film "Rust" was being filmed, in Santa Fe, N.M., Oct. 23, 2021.
Jae C. Hong/AP, FILE

Souza will be back on as director of the film when it begins reshooting in January, he said.

"In my own attempts to heal, any decision to return to finish directing the film could only make sense for me if it was done with the involvement of Matt and the Hutchins family," Souza said in a statement. "Though certainly bittersweet, I am pleased that together, we will now complete what Halyna and I started. My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna's legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf."

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has been conducting an investigation into the shooting and will hand over a report to First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, who will decide whether to press criminal charges against anyone involved in the shooting.

No charges have been filed as of yet, and it's possible no one will face charges after the report is concluded.

"The proposed settlement announced today in Matthew Hutchins' wrongful death case against Rust movie producers, including Alec Baldwin, in the death of Halyna Hutchins will have no impact on District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis' ongoing investigation or her ultimate decision whether to file criminal charges in the case," Heather Brewer, a spokesperson for Carmack-Altwies' office, said in a statement. "While civil suits are settled privately and often involve financial awards, criminal cases deal only in facts. If the facts and evidence warrant criminal charges under New Mexico law then charges will be brought. No one is above the law."

ABC News' Santina Leuci, Jenna Harrison and Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report.

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