Trigger warning: This article contains references to violence and possible murder.
Two jurors present in the Rust case spoke about the trial. On July 12, the judge dismissed Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter charges after the accuser was found to have hidden crucial evidence in court. The jurors spoke to the New York Times, where they revealed that the case was baseless as the evidence clearly showed that Baldwin’s shooting was an accident. The incident, which took place on the sets of the Rust movie in 2021, claimed the life of the cinematographer.
Jurors acknowledged that the panel of 12 jurors had unanimously decided to drop the case against the actor after Baldwin’s attorney argued about hidden evidence.
What did the jurors say about the Rust case and Alex Baldwin’s trial?
Speaking to the New York Times, jurors said that when they were first asked to take part in the case, they were aware of the situation and the opposition had made some strong arguments. However, as the days went by, the panel also felt that the case would go in Baldwin’s favor.
One jury member said, “As the weeks went by, it didn’t seem like a strong case.” Another jury member, Johanna Haag, claimed she had a verdict ready in her mind because she knew it was clearly an accident.
“This was clearly an accident, and the idea that there was something purposeful about it, or the idea that there was some gross negligence that caused it, did not seem realistic to me,” Haag said.
Another juror said the tests made it clear the 30 Rock actor wasn’t fully aware of gun safety protocols, and should have waited for expert advice instead of arming himself.
Also read: ‘It’s been a long and difficult journey’: Alex Baldwin opens up about his Rust shooting case being dismissed
Alex Baldwin’s Rust case heard
Alex Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter after he accidentally shot and killed cinematographer Helena Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust. Director Joel Souza was also injured by the bullet fired by the actor.
However, the rust armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
The shooting of the film will be completed in May 2023 and the post-production process is currently underway. However, the makers of Rust have not yet announced the release date.
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
