Maybe, maybe not. Our “public servants” are experts at using “emergencies” and “extraordinary events” to gouge more money from taxpayers.
The DA is making a show of considering charges for him, but we all suspect that’s just PR. Charging decisions are political, and it’s not only that she’s a Soros-backed hack, but that Santa Fe county is making a strong push to get more film and TV production, so there’s doubtless pressure from locals who stand to benefit from filming to not charge him.
But if she does, he’s DOA on involuntary manslaughter. The facts already in evidence will be almost impossible for his lawyers to argue against. That, plus he’s been running his dumb mouth for over a year, and he’s basically convicted himself.
I think that there’s even a possible legal path to a murder rap, (pending further information about the case) but it’s hard to imagine that she’d charge him with that. Worst case, he’s looking at 18 months under New Mexico law, plus the civil liability.