Alec Baldwin attends court in Santa Fe, N.M., listening attentively during his hearing at Santa Fe County District Court on July 10.
Alec Baldwin, the veteran actor, has stepped into the courtroom to defend himself against charges of involuntary manslaughter following the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust in 2021. If found guilty, Baldwin could serve up to 18 months in prison. The trial began with both sides presenting their opening statements to the jury, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle.
Baldwin, accompanied by his wife Hilaria Baldwin and brother Stephen Baldwin, remained solemn throughout the proceedings. He was observed attentively taking notes and focusing intensely during testimony. The defense team, led by attorney Alex Spiro, emphasized Baldwin's innocence, shifting responsibility to others involved in the handling of the firearm that discharged fatally.
Spiro argued that Baldwin was assured the gun was safe before the incident occurred during a rehearsal, asserting that the actor did not intentionally fire the weapon. He criticized the prosecution for damaging the gun during testing, which he claims compromised crucial evidence.
In contrast, the prosecution led by special prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson argued that Baldwin mishandled the firearm, citing instances where he allegedly disregarded safety protocols. Witnesses, including officers and technicians, testified about their observations and actions taken following the incident. Marissa Poppell, a crime scene technician, detailed her findings of suspected live rounds on the set, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative.
The trial's first day concluded with testimonies and evidence presentation by the state. The defence is preparing to cross-examine witnesses and present its case when proceedings resume. The legal battle over Baldwin's role in the Rust tragedy continues to captivate national attention and provoke debate over film set safety protocols.
