As part of the settlement, Hutchins will now be an executive producer on the film. He added, "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... I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin). 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 investigation by the FBI concluded that the gun that killed Hutchins on the set of Rust could not have been fired “without a pull of the trigger while the working internal components were intact and functional.” Baldwin, who was holding the gun, has stated that he didn't know there were live rounds in the firearm and claims he didn't pull the trigger.
During the tragic incident, Hutchins was shot and killed, while director Joel Souza was also shot but has since recovered.
Souza will return as the film's director. He released a statement that read in part: "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. 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."
Alec Baldwin wrote on Instagram: "We are pleased to announce today the settlement of the civil case filed on behalf of the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation."
The Santa Fe County District Attorney’s Office states that the settlement won’t impact their decision on whether or not they will lay charges in the incident that resulted in Ms. Hutchins' death. "While civil suits are settled privately and often involve financial awards, criminal cases deal only in facts," read their statement. “If the facts and evidence warrant criminal charges under New Mexico law then charges will be brought. No one is above the law." ~Alexandra Heilbron