Alec Baldwin may be charged with 'Rust' shooting in October

The police report on the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins is expected next month, when prosecutors decide whether criminal charges should be filed

Alec Baldwin outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico, after he was questioned about a shooting on the set of the film 'Rust', which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. AP

A distraught Alec Baldwin lingers in the car park outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. AP

The entrance to the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters

The entrance to the Bonanza Creek Ranch used for film shoots. AP

A vehicle from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office exiting the set of 'Rust'. Reuters

Media crews outside the gate of the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters

Director of photography Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of 'Rust'. AP

Journalists outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico. AP

Security guards block the Bonanza Creek Ranch. AP

The Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed, one day after the incident. Photo: Roberto E Rosales / Albuquerque Journal

A sign points to the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe. AFP

A security guard speaks with a compliance officer from the State of New Mexico at the Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed. AFP

Security guards at the entrance of the 'Rust' film set. AP

A vigil in Albuquerque, New Mexico, held in the honour of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. AP

A candle bearing Halyna Hutchins's name is placed among others during a vigil in her honour. AP

A large crowd of movie industry workers and New Mexico residents attend the candlelight vigil. AP

New Mexico residents at the vigil. AP

Members of the local film community mourn the loss of Halyna Hutchins. Reuters

Film industry worker Jake Extine pays his respects. AP

A sign calling for workplace safety at the vigil. Reuters

People light candles to honour Halyna Hutchins. AP

Actor Alec Baldwin is among up to four people who may face charges for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of western Rust last year, a New Mexico prosecutor has said.

The final police report on the shooting near Santa Fe is expected next month, at which time prosecutors will file criminal charges, if warranted, district attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies told the state's finance board.

Investigators are focusing on the "many individuals" who handled the pistol Baldwin fired during a rehearsal, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza, Carmack-Altwies said in a letter to the board on August 30.

"One of the possible defendants is well-known movie actor Alec Baldwin," she said in the letter, requesting an additional $635,500 in funding to prosecute the high-profile case.

Four jury trials with each defendant charged under some variation of state homicide statutes are possible, Carmack-Altwies told the board in a meeting this month.

The former public defender said her team faced "well-paid and experienced defence lawyers" from Los Angeles and New York and would need to retain a near full-time prosecutor, special investigator, media spokesperson and expert witnesses.

The finance board granted the district attorney's office $317,750.

Baldwin has denied responsibility for Hutchins's death and said live rounds should never have been allowed on to the set.

His attorney Luke Nikas on Monday warned against assumptions Baldwin would be charged.

“The DA has made clear that she has not received the sheriff’s report or made any decisions about who, if anyone, might be charged in this case," Nikas said.