Alec Baldwin is at a critical point in his manslaughter trial as he faces intense scrutiny following an accidental shooting on the set of the movie “Rust.”
During a pretrial hearing on Monday, a New Mexico judge will determine the admissibility of evidence, testimony, and arguments for Baldwin’s manslaughter trial, scheduled to start with jury selection on Tuesday. Opening statements could be heard as soon as Wednesday.
The trial originates from an incident that occurred on Oct. 21, 2021, during a rehearsal near Santa Fe, where a .45 caliber revolver Baldwin was handling discharged a live round, fatally striking the film’s director of photography, Halyna Hutchins, and injuring director/writer Joel Souza.
Following the incident, there have been legal disputes, wrongful death lawsuits, and a previous trial that saw the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter while being acquitted of evidence tampering charges.
Related story: Alec Baldwin faces a new lawsuit for the ‘Rust’ shooting from the victim’s family
Central to the upcoming trial are claims that Baldwin, as both the lead actor and producer, failed to follow industry safety standards, according to court documents.
Prosecutors argue Baldwin ignored established protocols, such as insufficient firearm training, and permitted unsafe circumstances on set, leading to the tragic outcome. They argue that Baldwin was negligent in gun handling, contradicting his assertion that the gun discharged without him pulling the trigger.
In response, Baldwin’s defense argues that the responsibility for safety on set lay with professionals like Gutierrez and assistant director David Halls, who were in charge of ensuring safe firearm management. They claim that neither Baldwin nor others present were aware that live ammunition was loaded into the gun, assuming it was safe for use.
The trial holds significant consequences for Baldwin, as a conviction for involuntary manslaughter could result in up to 18 months in prison. As legal proceedings begin, all eyes are on Baldwin and the unfolding courtroom drama, seeking answers and accountability for the tragic incident that has deeply affected everyone involved in the production of “Rust.”
This article was originally published by Beth Hemphill on CourtTV.com.