SANTA FE, NM: According to a list of confiscated items released Monday, what detectives have described as loose and boxed ammunition from a Western film set where actor Alec Baldwin accidentally shot a cinematographer was shot and killed. did
Officials did not say what type of ammunition they removed from the set of “Rust” and whether it contained live or counterfeit bullets or blank cartridges. Items included “ammo,” “loose ammo and boxes” as well as two boxes of “A.” fanny pack w/ ammo.”
One of the central mysteries about the murder of cinematographer Helena Hutchins is what kind of projectile was fired from the gun and how it got there. Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department spokesman Juan Rios said Monday that investigators hope a forensic analysis of ballistic evidence will shed light on those questions.
“It is a complicated matter,” he said.
In another revelation, a production company said the assistant director handed the gun to Baldwin and told him it was unloaded, with the gun fired from an earlier film on the accident.
Production company Rocket Soul said Dave Hall was removed from the set of the independent film “Freedom’s Path” in 2019 after a crew member suffered minor and temporary injuries when a prop gun unexpectedly discharged.
Hall could not be reached for comment.
Hutchins, 42, was killed and director Joel Souza, 48, was injured while Baldwin was using a revolver during rehearsals. According to court documents, the actor was told that the gun was not loaded.
Inventory lists filed with the Santa Fe County Magistrates’ Court showed investigators also recovered three black revolvers, coveralls, a gun belt, and other items.
The accident happened on the set of “Rust” at Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe on Thursday.
Rios said investigators had interviewed 24-year-old Hannah Gutierrez, who was responsible for protecting the weapons on set, but did not provide any details. Gutierrez has not spoken publicly, and Reuters has not been able to reach him.
Baldwin, the director and others have also been interviewed but no allegations have been made.
According to the sheriff’s department affidavit, the camera operators had left the set to protest the working conditions prior to the incident. Rios said the investigation into the shootings was investigating further details about what happened that day.
“Investigators are looking at everything that should have been followed under safety standards,” Rios said.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff and local district attorney are scheduled to talk about the case at a news conference on Wednesday. Rios said it would take time for officials to draw conclusions about what happened.
In her first public statement about the incident, Baldwin’s wife Hilaria said Monday that “it is impossible to express the shock and heartache of such a tragic accident.”
“My heart goes out to Halina. Her husband. Her son. Their family and loved ones. And my Alec,” she wrote on Instagram.
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