Alec Baldwin, a renowned actor known for his roles in movies and television shows, is currently on trial for involuntary manslaughter following a fatal shooting incident on the set of his Western film 'Rust' in October 2021. The tragic event occurred during a rehearsal inside a movie set church, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the wounding of director Joel Souza.
Baldwin, who arrived for jury selection at the Santa Fe County District Courthouse on July 9, 2024, is facing up to 18 months in prison if convicted. The incident has garnered widespread attention due to its high-profile nature and the unexpected turn of events.
The shooting took place when a gun that Baldwin was rehearsing with discharged a live round, killing Hutchins and injuring Souza. Baldwin has maintained that he did not pull the trigger or know that the gun contained a live round at the time of the incident.
Hilaria Baldwin, Alec's wife, was also present during jury selection to show her support for her husband. The couple shares seven children together and have been married since 2012.
The trial comes after Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of 'Rust,' was convicted and sentenced to a maximum of 18 months in prison for her role in the incident. The trial is expected to begin with opening statements on Wednesday, July 10.
The jury selection process involved potential jurors being asked about their knowledge and opinions regarding Alec Baldwin, the 'Rust' shooting incident, and guns. Only a few individuals indicated that they had not heard or seen anything about the case from any source whatsoever.
Alec Baldwin has had a successful career in Hollywood for nearly three decades, with notable roles in films like 'Beetlejuice,' 'The Hunt for Red October,' and television shows such as '30 Rock' and 'SNL.' However, his public persona has been marked by outspoken liberal views, occasional hotheaded behavior, and previous run-ins with the law.
As the trial progresses, it is essential to remain impartial and focus on the facts of the case. The jury will ultimately decide whether Baldwin is guilty or not based on evidence presented during the proceedings.