Search Warrant Issued For Alec Baldwin's Cell Phone In Connection To Fatal Shooting Investigation On 'Rust' Set
Dec. 16 2021, Published 6:15 p.m. ET
Alec Baldwin's cell phone is being targeted in the new search warrant issued in the ongoing investigation of the fatal Rust shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
According to Fox News, the officials from Santa Fe Sheriff's Department believe the actor's phone might contain materials that will be helpful to their investigation.
"Affiant is requesting a warrant for the seizure and search of Alec Baldwins' [sic] cell phone to search for any evidence relating to the death investigation of Halyna Hutchins," the affidavit revealed. "Affiant believes there may be evidence on the phone, due to individuals using cellular phones during and/or after the commission of crime(s)."
"Such information, if it exists, may be material and relevant to this investigation. Affiant was also made aware there were several emails and text messages sent and received regarding the movie production 'Rust' in the course of interviews."
Reports indicated Baldwin had communicated with Rust's head armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed via email to discuss different types of guns to be used during the filming.
The search warrant states the actor told police that he requested a bigger gun for the filming, and Reed showed him an antique Colt.
Officials said that it is essential to collect all evidence before the tragedy, including conversations and photos.
"Affiant believes gathering information prior to the film start date of Rust is essential for a full investigation," the document stated, noting that the police had first requested the phone from Baldwin but were told to obtain a search warrant.
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Baldwin accidentally shot Halyna and film director Joel Souza in October while filming Rust at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, New Mexico.
As a result, Hutchins was rushed via a helicopter to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Meanwhile, Souza was treated for his injuries from the shooting at a different hospital and released the following day.
Baldwin and the production had since been slammed with multiple lawsuits concerning the fatal event, including one from Rust script supervisor Mamie Mitchell.
Her attorney Gloria Allred alleged the actor "intentionally, without just cause or excuse, cocked and fired the loaded gun even though the upcoming scene to be filmed did not call for the cocking and firing of the firearm."
In addition, she also accused Baldwin of playing "Russian Roulette with a loaded gun without checking it and without having the armorer do so."
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However, in his recent interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos, he claimed he "didn't pull the trigger."
Baldwin shed some tears as he recalled the horrific incident and explained, "Someone put a live bullet in a gun. A bullet that wasn't even supposed to be on the property."
He added, "I let go of the hammer of the gun, and the gun goes off."
