Alec Baldwin‘s long-running legal battle has come to a close, three years after a tragic incident on the set of Rust that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuries to director Joel Souza.
Baldwin, who was holding a prop weapon containing live ammunition during the film’s production in New Mexico, maintained his innocence and asserted that he did not pull the trigger. The actor was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in 2023, but those charges were dropped, and his legal team successfully argued for the case’s dismissal.
Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the accident. However, the case took a new turn when Baldwin was indicted for a second time on involuntary manslaughter charges in 2024.
The trial commenced in July 2024, with jury selection taking place in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, arrived at the courthouse with one of their children, as the judge ruled that Baldwin’s role as a producer on Rust was not relevant to the trial.
The Timeline of the Trial
The trial began on July 9, 2024, with jury selection, and opening statements expected to start the following day. Baldwin faced involuntary manslaughter charges, carrying a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
The Witness List
According to reports, the court-approved witness list included over 60 individuals, such as Souza and assistant director Dave Halls, who pleaded no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon. First responders, investigators, firearms experts, and close-range witnesses to the incident were also expected to testify.
Baldwin was notably absent from the witness list but retained the right to testify in his defense.
Baldwin’s Response and the Outcome
Baldwin’s legal team remained steadfast, stating, “We look forward to our day in court.” They also emphasized the need for a speedy trial to minimize public scrutiny and the potential hazards of proving his innocence after a lengthy delay.
On July 12, 2024, the trial took a significant turn when Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer agreed with Baldwin’s attorneys that prosecutors withheld crucial evidence related to the Rust shooting. As a result, the judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again.
This marks the end of a challenging chapter for all involved, bringing some closure to the tragic events that unfolded on the set of Rust.
