Alec Baldwin’s role as a producer of the Western film “Rust” is not considered relevant to the involuntary manslaughter trial concerning a fatal shooting on set, as decided by a New Mexico judge on Monday.
This decision represents a significant setback for prosecutors just as the trial was set to commence. They intended to present evidence demonstrating Baldwin’s unique responsibility, beyond just being an actor holding the gun, for the unsafe environment that led to the tragic shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer expressed reservations about the state’s argument that they wanted to showcase Baldwin’s alleged failure to adhere to guidelines as a producer and how this contributed to the death of Hutchins due to his actions as an actor. She ultimately rejected the inclusion of evidence regarding his status as a producer.
Special prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson, however, contended that Baldwin was fully aware of his safety obligations as a producer, aiming to establish an alternative theory of guilt beyond negligence with a firearm. The prosecution sought to link Baldwin’s conduct on set to a perceived lack of regard for the safety of others.
During the courtroom proceedings on Monday, Baldwin was seated between lead attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro. He appeared attentive, occasionally taking notes and passing written messages to an attorney. Baldwin sported glasses and close-cropped hair.
The trial is expected to commence on Tuesday with jury selection and is scheduled to span 10 days.
Related: Alec Baldwin faces new lawsuit for ‘Rust’ shooting from victim’s family
Last week, the judge permitted crucial firearms experts for the prosecution to testify about Baldwin’s handling of the revolver and its functioning prior to the shooting.
On Monday, the judge ruled in favor of the prosecutors in excluding the summary findings from a state workplace safety investigation that primarily assigned blame to assistant director Dave Halls. Halls had pleaded no contest to negligent firearm use and may be called to testify during Baldwin’s trial.
Prosecutors criticized the workplace safety investigation as incomplete and unreliable, asserting that it downplayed Baldwin’s responsibilities in the incident.
Under a 2023 settlement agreement, Rust Movie Productions paid a $100,000 fine to address violations of state safety regulations considered serious but not deliberate. Witnesses from the workplace safety investigation are expected to testify during Baldwin’s trial.
Additionally, prosecutors will be permitted to present graphic images of Hutchins’ injuries from an autopsy report during the trial, along with police lapel camera footage showing the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Baldwin faces a single felony charge of involuntary manslaughter, with a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on set, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins’ death and received an 18-month prison sentence. She is currently appealing the conviction.
In October 2021, Baldwin was involved in a fatal shooting during a rehearsal, where a gun discharged, resulting in Hutchins’ death and Souza’s injury. Baldwin maintains his innocence, claiming the gun fired accidentally while following instructions and unaware of a live round being present.
Baldwin’s legal team successfully blocked discussions at trial about previous fatal gun incidents on movie sets, such as actor Brandon Lee’s death in 1993. The judge agreed to permit only a single reference during the trial to the potential dangers of blank rounds without a projectile.
The judge also ruled out the inclusion of a crew-signed letter disputing the portrayal of the “Rust” set as chaotic or hazardous before the shooting. Discussions of prosecutorial misconduct and personal attacks will be limited at trial, focusing primarily on expert testimonies related to the firearm and forensic testing.
Efforts to evoke sympathy for Baldwin or his family’s impact will not be allowed during the trial, as prosecutors argue these factors are irrelevant to establishing guilt.
Baldwin, a three-time Emmy winner, has had a diverse career in the industry, transitioning from leading roles to supporting characters. While he has faced periods without major projects, his enduring fame is attributed to his outspoken persona and memorable appearances on “Saturday Night Live.”
