Nearly three years after cinematographer Helena Hutchins was shot and killed on the set of the film Rust in New Mexico, actor Alec Baldwin is on trial in her death. Despite multiple arguments between prosecutors and the defense, the trial is set to begin on Tuesday, where jurors will decide whether the actor is guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Also Read: From ‘Red October’ to ’30 Rock,’ a look back at Alec Baldwin’s career on eve of ‘Rust’ shooting trial
Now that the trial has begun, let’s review what we know about the case so far.
What happened
According to the warrant, the Western’s star and co-producer Alec Baldwin was practicing a scene with a revolver in which he had to point the weapon at the camera when the gun went off. He was practicing in a small church on the film’s set at Bonanza Creek Ranch when the gun went off. The bullet struck Helena Hutchins in the chest and director Joel Souza in the shoulder. He was rushed to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The incident happened on October 21, 2021.
Who was Helena Hutchins?
Helena Hutchins was 42 when she died. She was an up-and-coming cinematographer and mother of one child. She grew up on a remote Soviet military base and worked on documentary films in Eastern Europe before studying film in Los Angeles and beginning a career in showbiz.
Allegations against Alex Baldwin
In January 2023, Santa Fe County prosecutors began criminal proceedings against Alec Baldwin, charging him with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Helena Hutchins. After an extensive review of the available evidence and applicable New Mexico laws, First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies formally announced in an online statement that sufficient evidence existed to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and additional members of the Rust film crew. However, in a later development in April 2023, prosecutors decided to dismiss the charge, while leaving open the possibility of re-filing it in the future. Following a new analysis of the gun, Alec was again charged with involuntary manslaughter after being indicted by a grand jury in January 2024.
In the previous trial of Rust Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, prosecutors alleged she was responsible. She was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
What was the last ditch effort to get the case dismissed?
Recently, Alex’s lawyers tried to have the case dismissed due to damage done to the on-set revolver during an FBI forensics investigation. His lawyer said, “We could never use our own expert to examine the original condition of that firearm.” John BashHe added, “It’s not fair that a criminal defendant should not have this opportunity.” However, New Mexico Judge Mary Marlowe Sommers rejected the request on June 28, saying Alex’s lawyers had presented no evidence “other than speculation” that the gun could exonerate him.
What are the allegations in the new case?
At the upcoming trial, the prosecution has brought alternative charges against Alec. This means the jury will deliberate on two separate matters: whether to convict him of involuntary manslaughter and, if so, which specific definition of involuntary manslaughter his actions fall under. He could also be found guilty of negligent use of a firearm or lack of caution, which means he demonstrated indifference or disregard for the safety of others.
What is Alex’s stance?
The actor has said he pulled the hammer back, but the gun went off without pulling the trigger. Baldwin said in an interview with ABC News and also indicated in an interview with authorities that he never pulled the revolver’s trigger.
What is Alex Baldwin’s defense?
Alex Baldwin is bringing with him an elite legal team of New York-based lawyers. Alex Spiro, a lawyer who has represented Elon Musk, Megan Thee Stallion and other prominent celebrities, will aggressively cross-examine the state’s witnesses. His team will try to show that it is not an actor’s job to make sure his gun does not have real bullets. This position is supported by Alex’s union, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
His lawyers will also attack the gun evidence, and the severe damage inflicted on the revolver during the FBI trial, which they say destroyed evidence and left the defence with no chance to examine it. It is believed they may question witnesses about whether Helena Hutchins received proper medical treatment between the shooting and the declaration of her death at the hospital.
What we know about the prosecution team
Santa Fe County District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies appointed Carrie Morrissey as the special prosecutor on the case in early 2023 after her predecessor stepped down due to a conflict of interest. The trial is likely to be a highly charged one — as it has been in the past.
In the upcoming trial, the prosecution will attempt to convince jurors that as a producer and an active participant on set, Alex Baldwin showed negligence towards the safety protocols and guidelines established for the production. Additionally, they will argue that as an actor, he showed negligence in handling the firearm, which directly contributed to the tragic incident.
Who is expected to testify in the Alex Baldwin trial?
Crew members inside the church building who witnessed the shooting will testify. The list includes names like director Joel Souza, who himself was injured by a bullet fired from Alex’s gun, and assistant director David Halls, the film’s assistant director, who some say was responsible for the shooting. David pleaded no guilty to negligent handling of the gun. And Alex may take the stand in his own defense.
According to prosecutors, crew member Zac Sneesby, who held the boom microphone during rehearsals, will testify that he saw Alex pull the revolver’s trigger. Prosecutors may also call Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to testify. Jurors will also hear testimony from firearms experts who have alleged the revolver was functioning properly and could not have fired without the trigger being pulled.
What jurors must decide
Now, prosecutors have two alternative standards to prove the charge. One is based on the negligent use of a firearm. The other is to prove that Alex Baldwin acted with gross disregard or indifference to the safety of others.
How long is the trial expected to last?
The trial in New Mexico’s 1st Judicial District Court is expected to last nine days, as Judge Mary Marlow Sommers insisted she keep attorneys in line and on schedule. Opening statements will be given on Wednesday, and it is expected to wrap up on Friday.
Where will the trial be held?
The actor is entering a New Mexico courtroom for the first time since the October 21, 2021 shooting. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter under felony murder.
What happens if he is convicted?
If convicted, Alex Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison. The actor-producer may also face other legal challenges. Civil lawsuits filed against Alex and other filmmakers have been temporarily halted by the judge, who said he would present the charges to a grand jury.
