Alec Baldwin is set to stand trial in July for involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins after a judge denied a motion to dismiss the case. Baldwin faces a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison if found guilty. Arguments from both Baldwin’s lawyers and prosecutors were heard earlier in May, with the judge ruling against his lawyers’ claims that important evidence was not provided to the grand jury. Hutchins was fatally shot on the set of Rust in October 2021, leading to Baldwin pleading not guilty. Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter last month, which experts warn could be a bad sign for Baldwin as his trial approaches.
Baldwin had been offered a plea deal last year that would have seen him serve no jail time, but prosecutors rescinded the offer. His lawyers have accused prosecutors of leaking confidential information and rigging the jury process by adding biased witnesses. They also allege that the pistol used in the fatal scene was able to fire without the trigger being pulled. The trial of Gutierrez-Reed earlier this year showcased a film set in a state of “rushed chaos,” with concerns over safety leading some crew members to quit the night before the incident. Baldwin’s claim that he only pulled back the hammer on the gun is contradicted by the prosecution’s analysis.
The criminal case is not the only legal action related to Hutchins’ death. Baldwin settled a civil lawsuit filed against him by Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, and continued production of Rust at a new location in Montana as an executive producer. In court, it was alleged that Baldwin himself made the set unsafe by waving his gun at people like a “pointing stick.” No release date has been set for the film. The judge overseeing the case previously admonished the parties not to disclose grand jury information, leading to allegations of misconduct against prosecutors. Baldwin’s trial remains scheduled for July, with his attorneys looking to have the case dismissed based on their claims of malpractice by the prosecutors handling the case.
The judge’s ruling rejecting Baldwin’s lawyers’ arguments paved the way for the trial to proceed, further complicating an already contentious legal battle. The involvement of multiple parties, including Gutierrez-Reed’s sentencing, has added layers of complexity to the case. The fate of Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence, will ultimately be decided in court. Amid ongoing legal struggles, Baldwin faces the prospect of a substantial sentence if found guilty. The trial, set for July, will be a crucial moment in determining the outcome of this high-profile case. The tragic death of Halyna Hutchins continues to spark a flurry of legal proceedings and debates surrounding responsibility and accountability on film sets.
