The involuntary manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin stemming from the fatal shooting on the “Rust” film set is proceeding to trial in early July after a judge rejected a defense motion to dismiss the charges. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer sided with prosecutors, overruling defense arguments that crucial evidence had been irreparably damaged by the FBI during forensic testing.
Baldwin’s legal team had contended that the revolver involved in the shooting was significantly altered during FBI testing, hindering their ability to assess potential modifications or malfunctions that could have contributed to the tragedy and potentially exonerated Baldwin. This ruling clears a major obstacle for the prosecution as they prepare for trial.
The incident occurred during a rehearsal on the New Mexico set of the Western film “Rust” in October 2021. Baldwin was pointing a prop gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins when it discharged, fatally wounding her and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin maintains he only pulled back the hammer of the gun, not the trigger, and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The controversial FBI forensic tests involved striking the firearm with a rawhide mallet from various angles to simulate potential accidental discharge scenarios. This process ultimately resulted in damage to the gun’s internal components. Prosecutors intend to present evidence at trial asserting that the gun was functioning correctly and “could not have fired absent a pull of the trigger.”
This marks the second time Baldwin has been charged in Hutchins’ death. An initial charge was dismissed by prosecutors but subsequently refiled after a new analysis of the revolver was conducted.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of “Rust”, leaves the First Judicial Courthouse in Santa Fe, N.M., on Thursday, Aug 10, 2023, during the preliminary hearing in the involuntary manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a film set in 2021. (Jim Weber/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP, Pool)
The “Rust” armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting and is currently serving an 18-month sentence while appealing the verdict.
In her ruling, Judge Marlowe Sommer stated that the damage to the firearm’s internal mechanisms did not constitute substantial prejudice to a fair trial. While acknowledging Baldwin’s argument that an unaltered firearm is crucial to his defense, she noted that other evidence concerning the gun’s functionality on the day of the shooting contradicts his assertions. The judge’s decision paves the way for the trial to commence, bringing this high-profile case one step closer to a resolution. The trial is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident and determine Baldwin’s culpability. The case has sparked widespread debate about on-set safety protocols in the film industry and the handling of firearms on set.
The trial, scheduled for early July, will delve into the intricate details surrounding the shooting, including the chain of custody of the firearm, the responsibilities of the armorer, and the actions of Baldwin leading up to the discharge. The prosecution will likely rely on expert testimony to support their claim that the gun could not have fired without a trigger pull, while the defense will aim to challenge the validity of the FBI’s forensic testing and present alternative explanations for the accidental discharge. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for Baldwin’s career and could potentially reshape safety regulations within the film industry.
Key questions that the trial is expected to address include:
- Was the firearm properly maintained and inspected before the incident?
- Did Baldwin deviate from established safety protocols when handling the gun?
- What role did Gutierrez-Reed play in ensuring the safety of the firearm on set?
- Could the gun have malfunctioned even without a trigger pull, as Baldwin asserts?
The answers to these questions will be crucial in determining Baldwin’s fate and the ultimate legacy of this tragic incident.
“Rust” movie set. (Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
The upcoming trial promises to be a closely watched legal battle, with both the prosecution and defense presenting compelling arguments. The world will be watching as the court grapples with the complex issues of firearm safety, criminal negligence, and the responsibility of individuals on a film set. The verdict will undoubtedly have a lasting impact, not only on the individuals involved but also on the broader film industry, potentially prompting a reassessment of safety procedures and protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
