Alec Baldwin's highly anticipated trial for involuntary manslaughter is set to commence on Tuesday, in connection with the fatal shooting on the set of the film "Rust" in 2021, which claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and left another person injured.
Alec Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter. While awaiting trial, he has been free without bail but prohibited from drinking alcohol or possessing firearms.
The actor has maintained his innocence, asserting he did not pull the trigger during the incident on the set of a western movie. However, prosecutors argue that Baldwin ignored industry standards and was careless with safety.
Pretrial proceedings
Baldwin appeared in court on Monday for a pretrial hearing on allowable evidence. Jury selection begins on Tuesday, with Judge Mary Marlowe Summer confident that Baldwin’s celebrity status will not hinder the process.
Opening statements are expected to commence on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.
What happened on set of movie 'Rust'
On October 21, 2021, a devastating accident occurred on the set of the movie "Rust", resulting in the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Alec Baldwin was practicing with a prop gun when it unexpectedly went off, striking Hutchins in the chest and Souza in the shoulder.
While Baldwin claims he didn't pull the trigger, prosecutors have evidence, including photos, suggesting otherwise.
They allege that the gun couldn't have fired without the trigger being pulled, and have also described Baldwin's erratic behavior on set, including frequent outbursts and loss of emotional control.
Baldwin's defense challenges prosecution's claims
Baldwin's defense claims he had no reason to believe the gun was loaded with a live bullet, as no live ammunition was supposed to be on set.
Prosecutors counter that Baldwin neglected safety protocols regarding firearm handling.
Trial to be livestreamed from Santa Fe Courthouse
The trial, set to be livestreamed, will occur at the Santa Fe County District Courthouse in New Mexico and is expected to last about two weeks, according to the New York Times.
Gutierrez-Reed receives 18-month sentence
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on set, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March for her role in the incident, receiving the maximum sentence of 18 months.
She was acquitted of evidence tampering but was criticized for not taking accountability or showing remorse.
Crew members and firearms expert to testify in Baldwin trial
Key witnesses include director Joel Souza, who was injured in the shooting, and assistant director David Halls, who pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge related to the incident.
Other crew members and at least one firearms expert are also expected to testify. It remains uncertain whether Gutierrez-Reed will testify, as she was denied immunity in exchange for her testimony.
Charges reinstated after new evidence emerged
Initial involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin, brought in January 2023, were dropped for further investigation when prosecutors discovered new evidence.
They argued Baldwin had given inconsistent accounts and should have known to check the weapon.
The new charge was filed after an analysis showed the gun could only fire if the trigger was pulled.
Baldwin pleaded not guilty and previously settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the Hutchins family for an undisclosed amount.
