Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, waives first 'Rust' court appearance

Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty Thursday in the shooting death of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, and waived an anticipated virtual appearance Friday before a New Mexico judge.

Baldwin and "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have both been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Gutierrez-Reed's attorney told USA TODAY Thursday that his client still plans to appear at the hearing virtually.

On Oct. 21, 2021, Baldwin was rehearsing a scene inside a church on a movie set outside of Santa Fe. He was handed a gun that was supposed to be harmless but in fact contained one live bullet. In lining up the camera for the scene, Baldwin was pointing the weapon in Hutchins' direction when it went off, killing her and injuring director Joel Silva. Prosecutors have argued that the loaded gun was Gutierrez-Reed's responsibility.

What did Alec Baldwin plead?

In legal paperwork filed Thursday, Baldwin – listed as Alexander Rae Baldwin III – checked a box reading "not guilty" and acknowledged through his electronic signature that he understands the "offenses charged."

The judge in the case, Mary Marlowe Sommer, agreed to allow Baldwin to stay free on his "personal recognizance." The checked stipulations for his continued release included continuing to obey federal, state and local rules; not possess firearms or dangerous weapons; not consume alcohol; and maintain contact with defense attorney.

What is Alec Baldwin being charged with?

Initially, both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, which carried a fine as well as up to five years in jail.

But attorneys for the defendants successful argued that their clients were being unfairly charged based on a new law that had gone into effect after the shooting. On Monday, New Mexico prosecutors agreed to drop the "firearms enhancement penalty," which reduces the maximum jail time to 18 months.

What about the civil lawsuits in the 'Rust' case?

A variety of people have filed civil lawsuits in the "Rust" case, including Baldwin. In January, he filed lawsuits not only against Gutierrez-Reed but also assistant director Dave Halls, who handed Baldwin the gun after declaring it "cold," or harmless.

An earlier lawsuit filed against Baldwin by Hutchins' widow, Matthew, was settled. Matthew Hutchins is now one of the producers of "Rust," a mid-tier Western that is slated to resume production in Montana.

More recently, Hutchins' mother, father and sister, all of whom live in Hutchins' native Ukraine, filed a suit against Baldwin and the "Rust" production. The family is arguing that they were relying on Hutchins' for financial support.

The latest in the 'Rust' shooting case

• Filming resumes (and more): 'Rust' announces new plans for Alec Baldwin movie, documentary on late Halyna Hutchins

• Alec Baldwin's wife speaks out: Hilaria Baldwin says its been an 'emotional time' as Alec Baldwin awaits 'Rust' charges

• Baldwin faces another legal fight: New lawsuit from Halyna Hutchins' parents, sister over 'Rust' shooting

• Industry criticism of 'Rust' incident: Michael Shannon criticizes on-set gun safety in 'Rust' shooting, feels 'horrible' for Alec Baldwin

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty in 'Rust' case manslaughter charges