A Santa Fe judge has reaffirmed that Alec Baldwin will face trial in July for the tragic shooting on the 'Rust' film set.
In a decisive ruling, the court dismissed the third motion to drop the involuntary manslaughter charge against actor Alec Baldwin, Daily Mail Online reported.
The case stems from a grievous incident on October 21, 2021, when Baldwin, while rehearsing for the Western film 'Rust', handled a prop gun that unexpectedly discharged. The bullet fatally struck cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza.
Baldwin's defense has been fervently contesting the validity of charges, centering their argument on a damaged gun. They claim the FBI compromised the gun, which is central to proving Baldwin's innocence, during a forensic exam. According to them, the agency employed a method involving a mallet, which they argue broke the internal components of the firearm.
Despite these allegations of tampering, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that although the damage to the gun was unfortunate, it did not impede the possibility of a fair trial. This decision effectively sets the stage for the trial to commence in early July, with jury selection slated for July 9.
Alec Baldwin has entered a plea of not guilty, maintaining that he did not actively pull the trigger but merely pulled back the gun's hammer. This assertion is pivotal to his defense strategy.
Prosecutors, however, dispute Baldwin's recount of the event. They insist that someone deliberately pulled the trigger for the weapon to fire and affirm that the firearm was in proper working order before the tragic incident on set.
In response to the heated debate over the gun's functionality, here is what Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer stated:
The destruction of internal firearm components is not highly prejudicial to ensuring a fair trial. While it's unfortunate that the gun broke during forensic testing, it has not been destroyed and therefore, does not preclude us from proceeding with the case.
Extensive coverage is anticipated for the upcoming trial, with the defense and prosecution preparing to present over 60 witnesses. This illustrates the complexity and high-profile nature of the case, reflecting its significant media and public interest.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on 'Rust', is also embroiled in this legal battle. The court sentenced her to 18 months for involuntary manslaughter, and she is currently appealing the decision.
The film 'Rust' resumed production under stringent new agreements, involving Hutchins' husband as an executive producer. Although the filming has moved to Montana, the movie remains unreleased, hanging in the balance as the trial looms ahead.
To recap, the involuntary manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin will proceed to a trial expected to begin in July, following a judge's dismissal of the defense's third request to drop the charge. The anticipation surrounds how the trial will unfold and what outcomes will emerge, influencing not only Baldwin's future but also potentially setting precedents in film production safety and legal accountability in Hollywood.
