Will he get off as expected? This is what we all want to know.
A jury has been assembled to deliberate on the trial of Alec Baldwin, who is charged with involuntary manslaughter after a fatal incident on a movie set in New Mexico. Baldwin, 66, denies the charges linked to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during an October 2021 rehearsal for the film “Rust.” Hutchins, 42, was fatally injured when a firearm Baldwin was using discharged. The incident also left director Joel Souza wounded.
Alec Baldwin’s role as a co-producer on the Western film Rust isn’t relevant to his involuntary manslaughter trial over the fatal on-set shooting, a judge in New Mexico ruled Monday.
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The jury, consisting of 12 primary jurors and four alternates, was finalized on Tuesday. They were scrutinized by both the prosecution and defense for potential biases, including their political leanings and knowledge of the case. The trial is set to start with opening arguments on Wednesday in a Santa Fe court. Baldwin, notable for his roles on “30 Rock” and as Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live,” appeared in court supported by his wife, Hilaria.
Prosecutors dispute Baldwin’s assertion that the gun fired accidentally as he cocked the hammer, criticizing him for not providing this information immediately after the incident and for failing to practice basic gun safety. On the day in question, Baldwin was rehearsing a scene that involved him drawing the gun and aiming it at the camera, not realizing the weapon was loaded with live rounds.
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The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, charged with loading the gun, was later found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Central to the case is the question of whether Baldwin pulled the trigger or if the gun malfunctioned. Prosecutors have presented Baldwin as careless with firearms, citing an FBI report that concluded the gun’s trigger had to be engaged to release the hammer.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution will argue that Baldwin’s position on the film set does not exempt him from adhering to fundamental gun safety rules. They plan to demonstrate that Baldwin’s dual role as an actor and producer does not absolve him from ensuring the firearm was safe. Baldwin’s defense is expected to focus on the specific roles and responsibilities on set, arguing that it was the duty of the armorer and safety coordinator to maintain the safety of the prop, not Baldwin.
Alec Baldwin’s courtroom drama heats up with involuntary manslaughter charges in the “Rust” shooting tragedy. Stay tuned for updates!
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Despite the criminal proceedings, Baldwin also faces several civil lawsuits alleging negligence. These suits claim that the presence of guns and live ammunition on set made the incident foreseeable. Meanwhile, Baldwin and his family are set to star in a reality show next year, highlighting how his professional life continues amidst ongoing legal battles.
Major Points:
- Jury Selection Complete: A jury has been finalized to hear the involuntary manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a New Mexico movie set in October 2021.
- Charges and Denial: Baldwin, 66, faces charges stemming from the incident during a rehearsal for the film “Rust,” where a gun he was using discharged unexpectedly, leading to Hutchins’ death and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty.
- Court Proceedings: The trial is set to begin with opening arguments in a Santa Fe courtroom. Baldwin, known for his roles in “30 Rock” and as Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live,” attended the preliminary hearings with his family.
- Key Legal Questions: Central to the trial is whether Baldwin was responsible for pulling the trigger or if the gun malfunctioned. Prosecutors criticize Baldwin for inadequate firearm handling, while defense arguments focus on the responsibilities of the film’s armorer and safety coordinator.
- Continued Impact: Beyond the criminal case, Baldwin faces several civil lawsuits for negligence. Despite these challenges, Baldwin remains active in public and professional spheres, planning to participate in a reality show with his family next year.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
