Alex Baldwin’s trial for involuntary manslaughter in ‘Rust’ shooting incident begins
The involuntary manslaughter trial has officially begun against Alex Baldwin, who is accused of fatally shooting cinematographer Helena Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust’, with jury selection now underway.
The trial against Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter for a fatal shooting on the set of the Western movie “Rust” began with jury selection on Tuesday. Baldwin, 66, was pointing a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal in 2021 when a live round fired, killing her and wounding the director.
Baldwin claims he didn’t know the gun was loaded and didn’t pull the trigger. Prosecutors say he acted recklessly and has changed his story several times.
After several failed attempts by Baldwin’s lawyers to have the case dismissed, the case will now be tried at the Santa Fe Courthouse in New Mexico. Jury selection began on Tuesday morning, July 9.
Due to Baldwin’s fame and the rarity of on-set deaths, the case has attracted global attention and divided public opinion. Some see Baldwin as a victim due to his celebrity status, while others believe the death was avoidable and caused by his behavior.
Special prosecutor Carrie Morrissey has criticized Baldwin’s conduct on set. If convicted, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison. It is unclear whether he will testify in his own defense.
Opening arguments are scheduled to begin Wednesday, July 10, and the trial is expected to conclude next Friday, July 19, after which the jury will deliberate. Hutchins, a 42-year-old cinematographer from Ukraine, was killed in October 2021 during rehearsals at Bonanza Creek Ranch.
Baldwin was practicing a scene in which his character draws a Colt six-shooter. He said he was told the gun was safe and did not pull the trigger. Live bullets are banned on film sets, and Baldwin claims it was not his responsibility to check them.
‘Rust’ wrapped shooting last year in Montana. Earlier this year, the film’s gunsmith was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. His trial revealed arguments likely to be used against Baldwin. Prosecutors argue Baldwin violated basic gun safety rules. Baldwin arrived at court on Tuesday, July 9, with his wife Hilaria and one of their children. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommers ruled that prosecutors cannot argue that Baldwin’s producer role makes him more culpable.
