Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial for the fatal shooting on the “Rust” movie set in 2021 begins Tuesday. The jury will determine if Baldwin is responsible for the death of crew member Halyna Hutchins.
Baldwin, 66, claims he was unaware the prop gun was loaded and denies pulling the trigger during the rehearsal when the gun discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring the director. Prosecutors argue that Baldwin acted recklessly and has changed his account of the events multiple times since October 2021.
Efforts by Baldwin’s legal team to dismiss the case have been unsuccessful. On Monday, Baldwin attended a pre-trial hearing, taking detailed notes in preparation for the trial.
Jury selection starts Tuesday, with opening arguments expected Wednesday. The trial, held in New Mexico, is anticipated to last about 10 days.
The incident, due to Baldwin’s fame and the unusual nature of on-set deaths, has drawn global attention and polarized opinions. Some view Baldwin as a victim of overzealous prosecution due to his celebrity status, while others believe the tragedy was the result of his alleged reckless behavior.
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey has criticized Baldwin’s on-set conduct, suggesting he lacked control over his emotions and concern for safety.
If convicted, Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison. It remains uncertain if he will testify in his defense.
The shooting occurred nearly three years ago during a rehearsal at Bonanza Creek Ranch. Baldwin was rehearsing a scene in which his character, an aging outlaw, draws a Colt six-shooter. He claims Hutchins directed him to aim the revolver in her direction and that he did not pull the trigger. Live ammunition is banned on movie sets, and Baldwin argues it was not his responsibility to check the gun.
On Monday, Baldwin, dressed in a dark suit and striped tie, observed as lawyers addressed pre-trial matters. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that Baldwin’s role as a producer on “Rust” cannot be used to increase his culpability.
The case proceeding to trial is a significant win for prosecutors, who have resisted multiple attempts to dismiss it. Baldwin’s defense argued that damage to the gun during FBI testing compromised his right to a fair trial, but the judge was not persuaded and ordered the trial to continue.
