The involuntary manslaughter charge against actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the “Rust” movie set will stand, a New Mexico judge ruled on Friday, May 24, 2024. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer rejected Baldwin’s request to dismiss the charge, paving the way for a trial this summer.
The case stems from the October 2021 incident where Baldwin was holding a revolver during a rehearsal when it discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger. He faces a maximum sentence of 1.5 years in prison if convicted.
Baldwin’s legal team argued that prosecutors mishandled the grand jury proceedings by neglecting exculpatory evidence and witnesses, ultimately influencing the indictment. They also claimed prosecutors limited grand jurors’ questions and failed to adequately communicate with potential defense witnesses.
alt text describing image of Alec Baldwin at an event.
However, Judge Sommer, after reviewing grand jury transcripts, dismissed these arguments. She stated New Mexico law doesn’t mandate prosecutors to present exculpatory evidence to a grand jury, nor does it require the grand jury to consider such evidence even if brought to their attention. While acknowledging some juror questions were deferred to a prosecution expert witness, Judge Sommer concluded this didn’t impede the grand jury’s independent decision-making process in charging Baldwin.
The defense had also accused prosecutors of attempting to shift focus away from potentially exonerating evidence. Special prosecutors denied these allegations, characterizing Baldwin’s attempts to avoid responsibility as “shameless” and highlighting inconsistencies in his statements to law enforcement, workplace safety officials, and during a televised interview.
This ruling eliminates a significant obstacle for prosecutors in their pursuit of a July trial. Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, responded to the judge’s decision, stating, “We look forward to our day in court.”
The “Rust” shooting case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of a high-profile actor and the tragic circumstances surrounding Hutchins’ death. Baldwin pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge.
Aerial view of the "Rust" movie set.
During a two-hour hearing on the motion to dismiss, lead special prosecutor Kari Morrissey asserted that jurors’ questions were addressed by qualified witnesses. She also indicated the grand jury was made aware of access to boxes of evidence provided by the defense. Baldwin was not present at the hearing.
This case was initially dismissed last year due to concerns about potential modifications and malfunctions of the firearm. However, a new analysis of the weapon allowed prosecutors to reinstate the charge. This renewed focus on Baldwin follows the April sentencing of the film’s weapons supervisor, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, to the maximum 1.5 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins’ death. Gutierrez-Reed is appealing the conviction.
The Gutierrez-Reed trial offered insights into potential proceedings in Baldwin’s upcoming trial. Testimony and closing arguments highlighted Baldwin’s roles as co-producer and lead actor, emphasizing his authority on set. Both sides scrutinized video footage of Baldwin prior to the shooting, searching for evidence related to firearms safety protocols.
Prosecutors argued Gutierrez-Reed negligently brought live ammunition onto the set, where it was prohibited, and disregarded fundamental gun safety procedures. The convergence of these factors contributed to the tragic events on the “Rust” set and the subsequent legal battles. The upcoming trial of Alec Baldwin is anticipated to further illuminate the complexities and responsibilities surrounding firearms safety in the film industry.
