Alec Baldwin’s trial for manslaughter is scheduled for July

A New Mexico judge has set the start date for Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial in connection with the tragic shooting incident on the set of the movie “Rust” for July. Baldwin, who served as a producer and starred in the Western film, faces charges related to the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was fatally shot during a rehearsal.

According to court documents released on Monday, jury selection is scheduled to begin on July 9, with opening arguments slated for the following day. The trial, to be held in Santa Fe, is expected to last until July 19.

Baldwin, 65, has consistently denied responsibility for the incident, maintaining that he did not intentionally fire the weapon, which he believed was not loaded with live ammunition.

The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, also known as Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is currently on trial facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence related to the disposal of cocaine following the shooting.

Baldwin faces two alternative counts of involuntary manslaughter, with one alleging negligent use of a firearm and the other suggesting acting without due caution or circumspection. He has entered a plea of not guilty and, if convicted, could face a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison.

In a bid for a swift resolution to the case, Baldwin’s legal team has requested an expedited trial to mitigate public scrutiny and the challenges of proving innocence after a prolonged legal process.

The tragic incident halted production of “Rust” temporarily, but filming resumed the following year. Despite the setback, the cast and crew, including director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the shooting, expressed their commitment to completing the project in honor of Halyna Hutchins.

Baldwin, who remains free on bail, has continued to navigate the aftermath of the incident amidst public scrutiny and calls for stricter safety regulations on film sets. The untimely death of Halyna Hutchins has reverberated throughout the entertainment industry, prompting discussions on set safety protocols and management practices during film production.

Entertainment News: Alec Baldwin’s trial for manslaughter is scheduled for July