Nearly three years after the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” in New Mexico, actor Alec Baldwin is now facing a trial related to her death. Baldwin is charged with felony involuntary manslaughter and could potentially face 18 months in prison if convicted by a unanimous jury.
The incident occurred during a rehearsal on the movie set, where Baldwin was handling a revolver that unexpectedly went off, fatally injuring Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. The trial will focus on the chaotic atmosphere of the set and details surrounding the Italian-made revolver Baldwin was using.
There is uncertainty about who brought the live rounds onto the set that led to the tragic event. Baldwin’s defense team will argue that it is not the actor’s responsibility to ensure there are no real rounds in the gun. The trial is expected to last nine days, with jury selection starting on Tuesday and opening statements scheduled for Wednesday.
The trial will take place at the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico, approximately 20 miles away from the movie set. While Baldwin is famous for his acting career spanning decades, the trial will solely focus on the events surrounding the death of Halyna Hutchins.
Witnesses from the film set, including director Joel Souza and crew members present during the rehearsal, will provide crucial testimony during the trial. The prosecution’s case will aim to prove that Baldwin acted negligently in handling the firearm and brought recklessness to the production.
The trial, which will be closely followed by national media, will also include testimony from firearms experts and the possibility of Baldwin taking the stand in his defense. The public will be able to watch the proceedings as they will be streamed and broadcast by various media outlets, including Court TV.
Halyna Hutchins, the victim of the tragic incident, was an emerging cinematographer with a promising career in the film industry. As the trial unfolds, the focus will remain on seeking justice for her untimely death.
