Jury selection commences Tuesday morning as actor Alec Baldwin faces trial for manslaughter. The incident dates back to the fatal shooting on the set of “Rust” in 2021, where Baldwin allegedly discharged a live round that tragically claimed the life of the film’s director of photography, Halyna Hutchins, and left director/writer Joel Souza wounded. If found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, Baldwin could potentially serve up to 18 months in prison.
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Baldwin, aged 66, attended a pretrial hearing on Monday where he achieved a significant victory. The judge ruled that his role as producer in the film will not be taken into account during the trial, dealing a blow to prosecutors who relied on this evidence. Additionally, video evidence unrelated to Baldwin’s weapon handling on set will not be admissible.
Prosecutors argue that Baldwin failed to adhere to safety protocols, lacked sufficient firearm training, and permitted hazardous conditions on set, resulting in the tragic incident. They assert that Baldwin was negligent in handling the firearm, contrary to his claim of accidental discharge.
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In response, Baldwin’s defense argues that safety responsibilities rested with professionals like armorer Hannah Gutierrez and assistant director David Halls, who were tasked with ensuring the safe handling of firearms. They claim that neither Baldwin nor others present were aware of the live ammunition in the gun, believing it to be safe for use.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight is on Baldwin and the courtroom drama that will unfold, seeking accountability for the tragic events that have deeply affected all involved in the production of “Rust.” The trial will be broadcast on Court TV with opening statements scheduled for Wednesday.
