A couple of days ago, a judge decided that Alec Baldwin will stand trial for the shooting incident on the set of the movie ‘Rust.’
As per Collider, Baldwin’s lawyers asked the judge to dismiss the manslaughter charge against him, saying that important evidence was not shown to the grand jury. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer denied this request, stating that the case was properly presented and that the trial is expected to start this summer.
The incident took place on October 21, 2021. Baldwin was rehearsing with an old-fashioned revolver when the gun went off and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin argued that he did not pull the trigger and that the gun discharged when he pulled back the hammer and let it go.
Baldwin Says He Has No Reason to Believe the Gun Was Loaded
The defense pointed out that the film’s armorer, Gutierrez-Reed, was already convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. They argued that Baldwin was not responsible for ensuring the gun was safe and that the prosecution did not present crucial evidence to the grand jury.
Prosecutors, however, said Baldwin ignored important safety protocols on the day of the shooting. They said he did not participate in the armorer’s safety check and handled the gun unsafely during the rehearsal. According to prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey, Baldwin violated gun safety and set safety standards by pointing the gun at a person, cocking it, and pulling the trigger.
Judge Sommer’s ruling explained that New Mexico’s grand jury procedure does not allow the defense to call witnesses during the case presentation. Instead, the defense can send a letter to prosecutors with any important evidence and witnesses. The judge confirmed that the grand jury was informed of the defense’s evidence, but they chose not to consider it.
Baldwin’s trial is set to begin in July.
