Alec Baldwin’s trial for ‘Rust’ manslaughter case begins. Jury selected

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SANTA FE —

As a long-time film enthusiast and follower of Hollywood news, I can’t help but feel a heavy sense of anticipation as I watch the developments in the Alec Baldwin trial unfold. Having seen my fair share of high-profile cases, I know that this one is unique for several reasons. The tragic shooting on the set of “Rust” and the subsequent death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving many of us in a state of disbelief.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m closely following the upcoming trial of Alec Baldwin regarding involuntary manslaughter, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Prosecutors and defense lawyers have meticulously interviewed numerous candidates for the jury pool during lengthy sessions over the past few hours. Ultimately, it will be this selected group of individuals who will bear the responsibility of rendering a decision in this significant case involving the esteemed actor.

Last night at the Santa Fe County District Courthouse, I took my place among twelve jurors and four alternates, following a lengthy selection process. Among us were eleven women and five men.

In early January, a grand jury brought charges against Baldwin for a felony related to an unfortunate incident during the making of “Rust,” a western film. On October 21, 2021, there was an accidental discharge of a firearm on set which fatally wounded the 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

On Taylor, the 66-year-old actor-producer, listened carefully at the defendants’ table on Tuesday. He frequently jotted down notes on a notepad. To his sides were his legal team members. Facing him were potential jurors and the prosecution.

Baldwin’s wife, Hilaria, and his brother Stephen Baldwin sat in a back row of the courtroom.

The eight-day trial will be broadcast live by Court TV.

If found at fault, Baldwin faces a potential prison sentence of up to 18 months. The consequences could also significantly impact his professional life. Baldwin has expressed concerns over losing acting opportunities since the incident. Unfortunately, Baldwin was unaware that the prop gun he handled during rehearsal contained live bullets.

On Tuesday, a group of 70 potential jurors were brought into a large room to kick off the court session. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer of the First Judicial District Court started the proceedings by administering an oath to the jury panel. The judge explained that the defendant was being accused of involuntary manslaughter, which she characterized as an unfortunate incident involving the negligent handling of a firearm.

Jurors were asked if they were familiar with the case. All but three raised their hands.

Kari T. Morrissey, the designated prosecutor overseeing this case for the local district attorney’s office, was curious if potential jurors had any connections to the film industry or held strong opinions about firearms. She also inquired if anyone carried a concealed weapons permit. To ensure impartiality and fairness, Morrissey requested that jurors assess their own abilities in this regard.

Lawyer Alex Spiro for Baldwin inquired if it could be challenging for jurors to render judgments disregarding the emotional aspects of the case. Additionally, he sought to identify any juror biases towards individuals who rely on expert advice.

I, as a devoted fan, would like to share that the actor has expressed his innocence regarding the unfortunate incident causing Hutchins’ demise. He trustfully depended on the proficiency of the on-set specialists overseeing safety, among them being the film’s weapons expert Hannah Gutierrez and assistant director David Halls.

As a cinephile, I’d put it this way: Back in March, I, Gutierrez, was held responsible for involuntary manslaughter. The tragic day was when Hutchins breathed his last. In the aftermath, I loaded the gun. However, Halls struck a plea deal with the court. He confessed to negligently handling a lethal weapon instead of contesting the charges. As a result, he received six months’ probation, suspended.

As a passionate filmgoer, I’ve seen my fair share of courtroom dramas, but during one particular trial, I couldn’t help but feel engaged when the topic of gun responsibility came up. Spiro, the expert witness, presented a compelling argument about the importance of regular weapon checks. However, not all prospective jurors agreed with his perspective. Some raised objections, insisting that individual gun owners should be solely responsible for inspecting their own firearms. One gentleman even vehemently dismissed the idea of relying on external experts.

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “I don’t need a PhD in neuroscience to understand that a gun should be treated as if it’s real and loaded.” Later on, another juror shared his perspective, saying, “We were taught to treat any gun, whether it’s genuine or not, with the same caution and respect as a loaded one.”

In the past 112 years of New Mexico’s criminal history, an eight-day trial may receive more widespread public attention than any other case, according to experts’ expectations.

Over forty journalists, representing various television stations and news organizations from around the country, filled yet another courtroom on Tuesday for the live observation of jury selection through closed-circuit television.

On Monday, the judge prevented prosecutors from bringing up Baldwin’s production role in their trial arguments, as they intended to blame him for not ensuring a safe work environment and overlooked the armorer’s difficulties handling the guns.

Last year, the filming of “Rust” was completed in Montana. However, there is currently no announced release date for this movie. The producers expressed their intentions of premiering it at a notable film festival. Yet, the ongoing legal proceedings related to the production have cast doubts on its near-term prospects.

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2024-07-18 21:48