Trigger warning: This article mentions death and possible murder.
Mary Marlowe Sommers, the judge on Alec Baldwin’s Rust Trials, reprimanded attendees and media personnel for littering the courtroom during the ongoing trial. The judge scolded spectators for not picking up their cups and throwing them in the trash. Attendants at the July 10 hearing threw trash in and around the institution, which infuriated Sommer.
The judge told those in attendance to have some manners and not treat the organization like a garbage truck. Meanwhile, Baldwin was called negligent by prosecutors at a hearing on July 10 for the case.
What did the judge say to those present about etiquette?
Shortly after Alex Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial began, Judge Marlo Somers interrupted the lawyers and spoke to reporters. “One more cup, and no one is allowed to bring any liquids of any kind,” the judge said, pointing to the cups and bottles littering the courtroom.
He added, “My staff and the people of our county will not pick up trash that you all can pick up. OK? And that also means down in the jury assembly room.”
Sommer added, “So another cup, another water — let’s have some manners about cleaning up after ourselves, okay? Sorry, I just had to mention that.”
After the judge warned those present about etiquette, Baldwin’s attorney Alex Spiro began questioning Marisa Poppel, who had collected evidence from the film set.
Also read: How did the Rust shooting incident lead to Alex Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case? Timeline traced
Alex Baldwin was described as negligent by prosecutors in the Rust trial
In the initial statements presented by Alex Baldwin’s lawyers and prosecutors, the actor was later described as a reckless person. In her statements, Erlinda Johnson held Baldwin responsible for the death of cinematographer Helena Hutchins.
“When a person plays with a real gun in a real workplace, and violates key rules of firearms safety while playing with that gun, people’s lives can be put at risk, and someone can even die,” Johnson said.
He further claimed that some “people acting in a negligent manner” caused Hutchins’ death.
Alex Baldwin has pleaded not guilty in court. If found guilty, the actor will face 18 months in prison.
Disclaimer: If you need help or know someone who is going through any kind of abuse, please contact your nearest mental health expert, NGO or just talk to someone. There are many helplines available for this.
Also read: Prosecutors’ opening statements during Rust trial describe Alex Baldwin as ‘reckless’; read details inside
