Alex Spiro, the attorney representing the Rust star in his involuntary manslaughter case claimed in a virtual hearing on Thursday that the prop gun responsible for the cinematographer's death was "destroyed by the state". In October 2021, production on the film was suspended after Baldwin's 1880s prop firearm discharged on set, injuring director Joel Souza and killing Hutchins. Baldwin was charged in January this year with involuntary manslaughter over Hutchins's death. "The court, I don't think is aware of this point, but I think I should tell the court that the firearm in this case..."