Family of late cinematographer files fresh lawsuit against Alec Baldwin

In a new development in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie "Rust," the family of the deceased has filed a civil suit against Alec Baldwin and the film's producers.

The incident took place in New Mexico where Baldwin allegedly fired a prop gun, leading to the fatal shooting of Hutchins.

The actor was charged with involuntary manslaughter last month.

Gloria Allred, the attorney representing the family, announced the suit during a news conference held on Thursday.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence, and is brought by Hutchins' mother, father, and sister who are currently living in Ukraine.

Hutchins' husband had previously filed a lawsuit against Baldwin and other members of the film production in February of last year, seeking punitive damages and expenses for the funeral. This lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount in October. The new lawsuit filed on Thursday aims to provide "accountability and justice" for Hutchins' family members, who have been devastated by her loss.

Hutchins was Ukrainian and died in hospital after being shot in the chest by a prop gun allegedly fired by Baldwin during a rehearsal at Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe.

Last month, prosecutors claimed Baldwin had been distracted while talking to family members on his phone during firearms training and failed to perform necessary safety checks.

Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against film armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and others involved with the film, alleging they failed to check the gun carefully. Gutierrez-Reed has said she will fight the charges and claimed she checked the rounds in the prop gun before it was handed to Baldwin. The film's assistant director, Dave Halls, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon and is serving six months probation.

The New Mexico Environment Department fined the Rust producers over $136,000 after an investigation found neglect on set. If Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed are found guilty in a trial, they could face up to 18 months in prison.

Hutchins' family has had to cope with their loss while living in Ukraine during the war. Her mother, who is working as an emergency operating room nurse, tends to those injured in the conflict. According to Allred, Hutchins would have aimed to bring her family to the US to escape the war if she were still alive.

Baldwin has denied responsibility for the shooting and claims the gun misfired, a claim that was disputed by the FBI in a report sent to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. The late cinematographer's family is now seeking justice through the legal system.