Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty Thursday to the shooting death of “Rust” cinematographer Halina Hutchins, and waived an anticipated virtual appearance Friday before a New Mexico judge.

Both Baldwin and “Rust” Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reid have been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Gutierrez-Reid’s attorney told USA TODAY on Thursday that his client still plans to attend the hearing virtually.

On October 21, 2021, Baldwin was rehearsing a scene inside a church on a film set outside Santa Fe. He was handed a gun that was supposed to be harmless but actually contained a live bullet. In the camera lining up for the scene, Baldwin was pointing the weapon in the direction of Hutchins when it went off, killing him and injuring director Joel Silva. Prosecutors have argued that the loaded gun was the responsibility of Gutierrez-Reid.

What request did Alec Baldwin make?

In legal paperwork filed Thursday, Baldwin — listed as Alexander Rae Baldwin III — checked a box that read “not guilty” and acknowledged via his electronic signature that he “understood the crimes” he was charged with.

In another filed document, New Mexico Judge Mary Marlow Somer agrees to release Baldwin on her “personal recognizance.” The conditions checked for his release included complying with federal, state and local regulations; does not possess a firearm or dangerous weapon; do not consume alcohol; and maintain contact with the defense attorney.

What is Alec Baldwin being accused of?

Initially, both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reid were charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, which carries a fine as well as up to five years in prison.

But attorneys for the defendants successfully argued that their clients were being wrongly accused based on a new law that went into effect after the shooting. On Monday, New Mexico prosecutors agreed to drop the “firearm enhancement penalty” that reduces the maximum jail time to 18 months.

What about the civil suits in the ‘Jung’ case?

Several people, including Baldwin, have filed civil lawsuits in the “Rust” case. In January, they filed a lawsuit not only against Gutierrez-Reid but also against assistant director Dave Halles, who handed Baldwin the gun after declaring it “cold” or harmless.

An earlier lawsuit filed against Baldwin by Hutchins’ widow, Matthews, was settled. Matthew Hutchins is now one of the producers on “Rust,” a mid-tier western that is set to resume production in Montana.

Recently, Hutchins’ mother, father and sister, who all live in Hutchins’ native Ukraine, filed a lawsuit against Baldwin and “Rust” production. The family is arguing that they were relying on Hutchins for financial support.

Fresh case in ‘Jung’ shooting case