NEW TRIAL: Alec Baldwin Faces Trial

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Jury selection begins today in the criminal trial against Alec Baldwin, almost three years after the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the film set of “Rust.” Baldwin faces involuntary manslaughter charges for the October 2021 incident, when a prop gun he was handling discharged a live round, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger and has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors are expected to argue Baldwin, as the film’s lead actor and coproducer, was negligent by not adhering to industry safety standards, while the defense contends responsibility lay with the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was sentenced in April to 18 months in prison for her role in the incident. The defense recently failed to have the case dismissed, citing damage to the gun during forensic testing.

The trial in New Mexico is expected to last 10 days. If convicted, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison.

Source: 1440