Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial commenced on Tuesday in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with the selection of 16 jurors. The trial, which stems from the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” in October 2021, has garnered significant media attention. The jury, composed of five men and 11 women, will ultimately be narrowed down to 12 jurors and four alternates after hearing the case.
The jurors will determine whether Baldwin is guilty of involuntary manslaughter, a charge that could result in up to 18 months in prison if he is convicted. The incident occurred during a rehearsal when a revolver Baldwin was handling discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The shooting took place at Bonanza Creek Ranch, a popular filming location about 18 miles from the courthouse.
The jury selection process faced a delay of over two hours due to technical issues but was completed within a single day. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer swore in the jury and instructed them to avoid any news about the case, emphasizing the importance of impartiality. When asked if they were familiar with the case, all but two of the 70 potential jurors raised their hands. Two others were excused after indicating they could not be fair and impartial.
Baldwin, a prominent Hollywood figure known for his roles in “30 Rock” and “The Hunt for Red October,” attended the proceedings with his legal team. Dressed in a gray suit, dark tie, and white shirt, Baldwin was accompanied by his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, and his brother, actor Stephen Baldwin. The courtroom was filled with media representatives, although they were not allowed inside during the juror challenges.
Prosecutor Kari Morrissey questioned potential jurors about their views on firearms, with one expressing a strong dislike for guns. However, many others acknowledged owning firearms, and few had strong opinions on the matter. Baldwin’s defense attorney, Alex Spiro, emphasized the gravity of the situation, asking jurors to disclose any reservations about their ability to be fair and impartial. He also inquired about their opinions on gun safety and whether they believed a person could rely on an expert to ensure a gun’s safety.
The trial is a significant event, even in a state like New Mexico, which has become a hub for Hollywood productions in recent years. Baldwin and his wife arrived at the courthouse early, accompanied by their youngest child. The couple has seven children, ranging in age from 1 to 10 years old.
Baldwin has maintained that the gun fired accidentally after he followed instructions to point it toward Hutchins, who was behind the camera. He stated that he pulled back the hammer of the gun, not the trigger, and it discharged. Hutchins, a rising star in film photography, was 42 years old at the time of her death and left behind a young son.
The trial is expected to be closely watched, with opening statements set to begin on Wednesday. The case has already seen significant legal maneuvering, with Baldwin’s team attempting to get the charges dismissed on multiple occasions. Most recently, a judge ruled that Baldwin’s role as a producer on “Rust” was not relevant to the trial, a decision that was seen as a setback for the prosecution.
This trial follows the conviction of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s chief weapons handler, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors argued that she had placed both dummy rounds and at least one live round into the weapon and failed to follow critical safety procedures. Baldwin’s defense is expected to cast blame on Gutierrez-Reed and argue that he did not pull the trigger.
The trial’s outcome may hinge on the jury’s perception of Baldwin’s actions and the broader context of safety protocols on film sets. Legal experts have noted that proving Baldwin’s guilt may be challenging, especially after Gutierrez-Reed was deemed responsible in her trial. The prosecution has also faced scrutiny for their handling of the gun during the investigation, with Baldwin’s team questioning the forensic analysis conducted by the FBI.
As the trial progresses, the jurors will be tasked with sifting through the evidence and testimonies to reach a fair verdict. The judge has instructed them to base their decisions solely on what they hear in the courtroom, underscoring the importance of impartiality in such a high-profile case.
Source: AP News, The Guardian, KOAT
