Alec Baldwin Scores Big Win As Rust Trial Kicks Off

The prosecution has been leaning into the stance that because he was a co-producer, Alec Baldwin was, at the very least, partially responsible for the live round placed in what was supposed to be a prop gun on the set of Rust. With this theory, the actor would be considered culpable in the death of Hutchins.

New Mexico Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer was the person to make the final call, stating that she had a difficult time accepting “the state’s position that they want to show that as a producer [Alec Baldwin] didn’t follow guidelines” and that was the final straw that led to the cinematographer’s death. 

On the prosecution’s side, the team argued that Alec Baldwin’s job as a co-producer on Rust “emboldened him” in the days leading up to the accident, during which he allegedly put high pressure on crew members and his fellow actors, demanding that they make “quick changes” on set.

This, they believe, is the reason that safety protocols weren’t followed and the set’s safety fell by the wayside, ultimately resulting in the death of Hutchins and the wounding of the movie’s director, Joel Souza.

Luckily for Alec Baldwin, when jury selection for the Rust trial kicks off in a New Mexico courtroom today, he’ll only be viewed as the actor who pulled the gun – unaware of the live round nestled in the Colt .45.

Right now, the legal teams are eyeing up a two-week trial, meaning that – if all goes according to plan – Baldwin’s fate will be sealed by the end of the month. The 30 Rock actor has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and faces the possibility of up to 18 months behind bars and thousands of dollars in fines should the jury find him guilty. 

The horrific accident occurred back in October 2021, when the Western flick was under production at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. During one of the scenes, Alec Baldwin’s Rust character holds a Colt .45 and points it directly at the camera for a close-up shot.

But chaos on the set erupted shortly after Baldwin pulled the trigger when a live round of ammunition went off, wounding Souza and killing Hutchins.

Since then, the film has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons with the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed sentenced just a few months ago to 18 months in a New Mexico state prison after she was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

Now, it’s Alec Baldwin’s turn to have his fate decided by a jury of his peers as his section of the Rust trial picks up steam this week, albeit with a bit of a jump start of help from the judge.

Source: Deadline