S Poddar
Nearly three years after the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film Rust in New Mexico, actor Alec Baldwin faces trial for involuntary manslaughter. Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty, could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
Trial Commences
Today marks the start of Baldwin’s high-profile trial in the United States. Hutchins died in October 2021 after a gun held by Baldwin discharged during a rehearsal in a church on the film set. Baldwin, 66, has maintained he was unaware the gun contained a live round, stating he pulled back the gun’s hammer but did not pull the trigger, and that the weapon fired accidentally.
Court Proceedings
Baldwin’s trial begins with jury selection at the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico in Santa Fe. The process of selecting 12 jurors from Santa Fe County is expected to occupy the entirety of today’s session, with opening statements likely to follow tomorrow. The trial schedule begins daily at 8:30 AM local time.
Jury’s Decision
The jury must determine if Baldwin is guilty of involuntary manslaughter, either due to negligent use of a firearm or demonstrating total disregard for the safety of others. They will reach a single verdict of guilty or not guilty.
Other Individuals Charged
In addition to Baldwin, the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, and assistant director and safety coordinator Dave Halls were charged. Gutierrez, who managed weapons on set, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year and is appealing the decision. Halls, known for his work on The Matrix Reloaded, received probation after pleading no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon.
Witnesses
There were 12 people present during the incident, several of whom will testify. The witness list includes police and FBI investigators, firearms experts, and crew members like Joel Souza, the director and writer of Rust, who was injured in the shooting.
Defense Team
Baldwin is represented by Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro from Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart & Sullivan. Nikas is noted for his work in the art world, while Spiro, a former Manhattan prosecutor, has represented high-profile clients like Elon Musk and Jay-Z.
Trial Duration
The trial is scheduled for nine working days, potentially concluding by July 19, although jury deliberation could extend this timeline.
Alec Baldwin’s Career
Alec Baldwin, the eldest of the Baldwin acting brothers, rose to fame in the late 1980s and early ’90s with roles in films like Beetlejuice and The Hunt for Red October. He later found success in comedy, winning Emmys for his roles in 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live. Baldwin has been married to Hilaria Baldwin since 2012, and they have seven children together.
Remembering Halyna Hutchins
Halyna Hutchins, 42, was a promising cinematographer who grew up on a military base in the Russian Arctic. After moving to Los Angeles to study film, she graduated from the American Film Institute in 2015 and was recognized as a rising star in 2019. Hutchins received accolades for her work, including the English Riviera Film Festival’s Jury prize for best cinematography for the short film Treacle.
