Alec Baldwin’s Manslaughter Trial: Jury Selection Complete for Fatal Shooting on Set of “Rust”

Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of “Rust” has begun, with the jury being selected. The incident occurred when Baldwin was practicing a cross-draw with a Colt .45 revolver, which accidentally fired a live round, resulting in Hutchins’ death. Baldwin, who is also a producer on the film, pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter.

After some technical issues with audio equipment, sixteen jurors were selected, including four alternates. The jury consists of eleven women and five men, with three of them having no prior knowledge of the case. The prospective jurors were questioned about their opinions on guns, their familiarity with the film industry, and their potential biases towards Baldwin. None of them expressed any negative opinions about the actor.

The trial is scheduled to last until July 19, and opening statements will begin on Wednesday. Baldwin has maintained that he did not pull the trigger of the firearm, contradicting the FBI’s forensic report, which concluded that the gun could not have been fired without pulling the trigger.

Prosecutors had hoped to argue that Baldwin was responsible for unsafe conditions on the set as a producer. However, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled against this line of argument during an evidence hearing. The defense argued that holding Baldwin liable for the shooting because of his role as a producer would be prejudicial and should be excluded.

Marlowe Sommer also made other evidentiary rulings, allowing footage from the “Rust” set showing Baldwin’s handling of the firearm to be admitted into evidence but excluding videos of him yelling or cursing at the crew. Baldwin’s defense team had filed several motions seeking to dismiss his indictment, but all were denied.

The judge also denied a request from prosecutors to use immunity to compel testimony from the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, who was previously found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting. Gutierrez plans to invoke the Fifth Amendment when called to testify.

On the state’s witness list is David Halls, the film’s safety coordinator, who was sentenced to probation in connection with the shooting. “Rust” director Joel Souza, who was also struck by the live bullet, is also a potential witness. Both testified during Gutierrez’s trial.

During Gutierrez’s trial, footage of Baldwin firing a gun after “cut” was called was shown. Prosecutor Kari Morrissey highlighted Baldwin’s conduct and lack of gun safety during her closing argument. However, Baldwin will have to answer for his actions in court, not with the jury from Gutierrez’s trial.

As the trial progresses, it will be crucial to examine the evidence presented and the arguments made by both the prosecution and the defense. The outcome of this trial will have significant implications not only for Alec Baldwin but also for the film industry as a whole, particularly in terms of safety protocols on set.