A court in New Mexico has decided that Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial for a deadly shooting that occurred on the set of his film “Rust” will start in July.
Producer and star of the Western, Baldwin faced charges in January for his involvement in cinematographer Halyna Hutchins’ 2021 death. Director Joel Souza was wounded and Hutchins was killed when the Colt.45 he was holding accidentally fired.
Opening arguments are scheduled for July 9; jury selection is scheduled for July 9, according to court documents released on Monday. The Santa Fe trial is scheduled to continue until July 19.
The 65-year-old Baldwin has consistently denied taking blame, claiming he did not pull the trigger of the gun—which wasn’t supposed to be loaded with a live cartridge.
Hannah Gutierrez, who played the armorer in the film, is presently on trial in New Mexico for one count of involuntary manslaughter.
The 26-year-old, who goes by Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was in charge of the weaponry on the set in her capacity as armorer.
She is also accused of tampering with evidence in connection with the purported cocaine disposal that occurred right after the incident.
Two alternate accusations of involuntary manslaughter are being brought against Baldwin: one for “negligent use of a firearm” and the other for acting “without due caution or circumspection.”
Hannah Gutierrez, who played the armorer in the film, is presently on trial in New Mexico for one count of involuntary manslaughter.
The 26-year-old, who goes by Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was in charge of the weaponry on the set in her capacity as armorer.
She is also accused of tampering with evidence in connection with the purported cocaine disposal that occurred right after the incident.
Two alternate accusations of involuntary manslaughter are being brought against Baldwin: one for “negligent use of a firearm” and the other for acting “without due caution or circumspection.”
The jury’s decision over whether to convict him on one count, both counts, or neither will be final. He entered a not guilty plea. He can spend up to 18 months in prison if found guilty.
The assistant director and safety coordinator for the movie, Dave Halls, who gave Baldwin the loaded gun, entered into a plea agreement with the prosecution last year and was given a six-month probationary term.
The incident stopped “Rust” filming, but it started up again last year. Executive producer Matthew Hutchins, the widower of the cameraman, who has already reached a settlement with the creators of “Rust,” was involved in the film.
After suffering injuries during filming, director Souza decided to return to the project. At the time, he stated that while finishing the film would be “bittersweet,” the actors and crew “are committed to completing what Halyna and I started.”
Baldwin’s bail keeps him free. Hutchins was forty-two years old when the incident occurred. Her passing caused a stir in Hollywood and
