Alec Baldwin Goes on Trial for Death of Cinematographer: What You Need to Know

Trial Begins for Alec Baldwin in Death of Cinematographer on Set of “Rust”

Nearly three years after the tragic shooting incident on the set of the film “Rust,” actor Alec Baldwin is now facing trial for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Here is what you need to know about the trial and the charges against Baldwin.

The Charge and Potential Consequences

Alec Baldwin is charged with felony involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting incident that took place on October 21, 2021. If convicted, he could face up to 18 months in prison. During a rehearsal in a small church on the movie set, Baldwin was pointing a revolver at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin claims that he pulled back the hammer but did not pull the trigger.

Two Dominant Themes in the Trial

There are two major themes that will dominate the trial. The first is the chaotic atmosphere of the movie set, which will shed light on the safety protocols and practices that were in place during the production of “Rust.” The second theme revolves around the details of the Italian-made classic revolver that Baldwin was handling. It has not been officially determined who brought the live rounds onto the set, but prosecutors in a previous trial alleged that armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was responsible.

What Jurors Must Decide

Prosecutors have two standards for proving the charge against Baldwin. One is based on the negligent use of a firearm, while the other requires proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Baldwin acted with total disregard for the safety of others. The jury, composed of 12 citizens from Santa Fe County, will have to reach a unanimous decision on a single count.

Duration of the Trial

The trial is expected to last approximately nine days at the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer has emphasized her commitment to keeping the proceedings on schedule. Jury selection will begin on Tuesday, with opening statements expected on Wednesday. Deliberations will follow once the jurors have received the case.

The Defense’s Strategy

Alec Baldwin has assembled a high-profile legal team, including defense attorney Alex Spiro, known for representing prominent figures like Elon Musk and Megan Thee Stallion. The defense will argue that it is not the actor’s responsibility to ensure that real rounds are not present in his gun. Baldwin’s union, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, strongly supports this position. The defense will also challenge the gun evidence, claiming that an FBI test destroyed crucial evidence and deprived them of the opportunity to examine it.

The Prosecution’s Case

The prosecution team, led by Santa Fe County District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, will aim to convince jurors that Baldwin’s actions as a producer and actor were reckless and negligent. Crew members who witnessed the shooting, including director Joel Souza and assistant director David Halls, will provide crucial testimony. Prosecutors may also call Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to the stand, although the immunity deal they sought for her has been rejected.

The Location and Public Access

The trial will take place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which is known for its vibrant arts scene. The proceedings will be held in a modern legal complex, and the courtroom is expected to be filled with members of the national media. The trial will be streamed and broadcasted by various outlets, including Court TV.

Remembering Halyna Hutchins

Halyna Hutchins was a talented cinematographer on the rise. She had worked on documentary films in Eastern Europe before pursuing her studies in film in Los Angeles. Hutchins was a mother to a young son and had a promising career in the movie industry before her tragic death on the set of “Rust.”

As the trial begins, the focus will be on determining the events that led to Hutchins’ death and the responsibility of those involved. Only time will tell how the trial will unfold and what the verdict will be in this high-profile case.