SANTA FE, N.M. — A trial date has been set for Alec Baldwin on an involuntary manslaughter charge related to the fatal 2021 shooting on the set of the Western movie "Rust," as announced by a New Mexico judge. The scheduling order issued on Monday outlines plans for jury selection to commence on July 9, with the trial officially commencing the following day. The trial is expected to last for eight days, featuring opening statements from special prosecutors and Baldwin's defense attorneys.
Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer of the film, entered a plea of not guilty in January, just before his scheduled arraignment. A grand jury had indicted him based on a new analysis of the revolver he used during filming, reinstating a charge that had been initially filed and then dismissed in April 2023.
Alec Baldwin Set to Stand Trial
(Credit: News4Jacks.com)
The tragic incident occurred when Baldwin, pointing the gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on the set near Santa Fe, unintentionally discharged the firearm, resulting in Hutchins' death and director Joel Souza sustaining injuries.
Baldwin asserted that he had pulled back the hammer without touching the trigger, and the gun fired. However, subsequent analysis concluded that the trigger must have been pulled or depressed enough to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.
The revolver is also central to the trial of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering. Her trial resumed in Santa Fe on Monday, featuring testimony from an FBI firearms expert.
The outcome of Gutierrez-Reed's trial holds potential consequences for Baldwin, who could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
Alec Baldwin Fends off Reporters
(Credit: Virginiamercury.com)
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: