New Mexico : Jury selection for Alec Baldwin’s trial began on July 9 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin is charged with involuntary manslaughter for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” in October 2021. Baldwin claims the gun fired accidentally, and he faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that Baldwin’s role as a co-producer on the film is not relevant to the case. The trial is expected to last nine days, with opening statements starting on July 10. Prosecutors had hoped to highlight Baldwin’s safety obligations as a co-producer to bolster their case, but the judge’s ruling prevents this.
The prosecution can still present graphic images from Hutchins’ autopsy and police lapel cameras during the trial. Baldwin’s attorneys successfully sought to bar discussion of fatal gun incidents on movie sets, including the death of Brandon Lee.
The judge will allow limited testimony on prosecutorial misconduct related to the handling of the gun in the fatal shooting. The trial has drawn significant attention, with dozens of prospective jurors to be questioned on July 9.
