Commencement of opening arguments in actor Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial took place on Wednesday morning in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The trial stems from the 2021 shooting incident on the movie set of “Rust,” where Baldwin is accused of firing a live round that tragically hit the film’s director of photography, Halyna Hutchins, resulting in her death, and also injuring director/writer Joel Souza.
This trial holds significant repercussions for Baldwin, as he could face a maximum of 18 months in prison if found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
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Jury selection concluded on Tuesday with a total of five men and 11 women chosen. Among them, 12 will serve on the jury, while four will act as alternates.
Prosecutors argue that Baldwin failed to adhere to safety protocols, such as inadequate firearm training, and permitted unsafe conditions on set, ultimately leading to the tragic incident. They claim that Baldwin was negligent in handling the firearm, contradicting his statement that the gun discharged without his intentional trigger pull.
In response, Baldwin’s defense team asserts that safety responsibility on set lay with professionals like armorer Hannah Gutierrez and assistant director David Halls, who were responsible for ensuring the safe and proper management of firearms. In a counter-complaint filed by Baldwin’s defense, they argue that neither Baldwin nor others present were aware that live ammunition was loaded into the gun, believing it to be safe for use.
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As the legal proceedings unfold, all attention is on Baldwin and the courtroom drama that will play out, seeking answers and accountability for the tragic events that have deeply affected all involved in the production of “Rust.”
