DA is WEEKS away from deciding whether to prosecute Alec Baldwin or other crew members

Santa Fe prosecutors are set to rule on who was to blame for last year’s shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a movie set – and lead actor Alec Baldwin could face criminal charges as a result.

The anticipated announcement from Santa Fe’s First Judicial District Attorney’s Office is set to come in the next few weeks — and is part of the ongoing legal saga surrounding the October 2021 shooting of Baldwin’s Rust.

Hutchins was killed more than a year ago – killed by a live bullet inexplicably fired by an actor on October 21, 2021. The Santa Fe set, which was being overseen by Baldwin’s production company, was subsequently shut down and an investigation launched.

The cameraman was shot by a gun Baldwin was holding, but the actor insists he didn’t pull the trigger and blames the props crew for not checking the gun was loaded.

Criminal charges have yet to be filed — although a judge recently ruled that the Hutchins family can bring a civil suit against Baldwin and El Dorado Pictures Inc., ruling that negligence on the part of both parties resulted in the employee’s death.

Santa Fe prosecutors are set to rule on who was to blame for the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a New Mexico movie set last year – and lead actor Alec Baldwin could face criminal charges as a result

The exact production location in California has not been confirmed, but the Golden State has dozens of western film sets. Pictured: Bonanza Creek Ranch, where Baldwin shot Hutchins

The local prosecutor’s office had warned that the deal would have no impact on the criminal investigation into the death, adding: “No one is above the law.”

Months later, charges remain to be brought against Baldwin and other employees who handled the gun before Hutchin’s death — although that could change in the coming weeks, according to a statement from the bureau given to TMZ on Wednesday.

Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on the set of the film on October 21

According to the outlet, the city’s attorney general, Mary Carmack-Altwies, is scheduled to announce by the end of the month whether she will be filing criminal charges against those parties — including Baldwin and the film’s assistant director and gunsmith.

Last year, in an interview with George Stephanopoulos, Baldwin said he didn’t think he would be prosecuted for the accident.

“I have been told by people in the know, including within the state, that it is highly unlikely that I will be criminally charged with anything,” he explained.

Among other documents released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office were reports of interviews with witnesses, including text messages and emails from crew members and cast members, which sometimes described the chaotic and acrimonious conditions on set before Hutchin’s death.

Baldwin speaks on the phone in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in Santa Fe, New Mexico after being questioned about a shooting on the film’s set

A distraught Alec Baldwin lingers in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in Santa Fe following the October 2021 murder

The documents still do not provide conclusive answers as to how live ammunition got onto the film set and into a replica Colt .45 caliber fired by Baldwin that killed Hutchins.

Baldwin was handed the gun during a rehearsal at a ranch outside of Santa Fe. A live round met her and film director Joel Souza, who survived.

Baldwin is among up to four people who could face criminal charges in the cameraman’s death, New Mexico District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said in September. The Carmack-Altwies office had no comment on Friday.

Actor Baldwin has denied responsibility for Hutchins’ death, saying live rounds should never have been allowed on the set of the low-budget film.

In this image from video released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Alec Baldwin stands in costume and speaks to investigators after a fatal shooting on the film set last year

In police interviews and court cases, the armorer, first assistant director, props supplier, and props master all denied guilt in the filming.

The New Mexico Occupational Safety and Health Administration in April fined the film’s production company the maximum amount possible for what it described as “willful” safety breaches that led to Hutchins’ death.

According to an FBI report, five live bullets were found on a prop wagon and in a bandolier and holster near the film set church where Hutchins was shot.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said it would release more files on the case by Dec. 20.

Late last year, local prosecutors said they would conduct a “thorough review of the information and evidence to make a considered and timely decision on whether to press charges.”

Last week, Baldwin filed a lawsuit against four people involved in the film, alleging they negligently provided him with a firearm. This featured aerial photo shows a portion of the Bonanza Creek Ranch film set in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The gun Baldwin was holding “accidentally and unexpectedly dispatched a live round, injuring director Joel Souza and resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins,” Baldwin/El Dorado attorneys allege in their court filings.

It has taken a full year to complete the investigation into Hutchins’ death.

Baldwin and Hutchins on the set of Rust last year. He claims he never pulled the trigger

Several lawsuits were filed in civil courts during this time, including one by Hutchin’s widowers against Baldwin and the rest of the production.

He sued her for wrongful death, but they settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Matthew will now be producing the film once production resumes.

Baldwin isn’t the only person in the frame.

Among others blamed for the shooting are gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who Baldwin alleges did not properly inspect the gun, and assistant director Dave Halls.

By the time Halyna was killed, many of the film crew had walked off the set in protest at the conditions and pay.

Baldwin served as producer and lead actor in the film.

Baldwin is seen in tears after being questioned at the Sante Fe County Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 21

On the anniversary of Hutchins’ death last week, prosecutors issued a warning to all involved.

“On the anniversary of the Rust film set tragedy in Santa Fe County, District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis remains committed to achieving justice for the victims and finding answers for the community.

“Once the district attorney’s office receives the full report from the Santa Fe County Sheriff, she and her team of professional attorneys and investigators will thoroughly review all of the evidence and make an informed decision as to whether to file charges against those involved.

“No one is above the law and every victim deserves justice,” she warned.