Understanding the ‘Rust’ On-Set Tragedy and Upcoming Alec Baldwin Trial – Sky Bulletin

After recent court developments in New Mexico, where a weapons supervisor was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the ‘Rust’ film set shooting, public focus now shifts to Alec Baldwin’s upcoming trial.

Baldwin, who served as both lead actor and producer, was rehearsing with a firearm pointed at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins when the weapon discharged in October 2021, resulting in her death and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has consistently stated that he cocked the hammer of the gun but did not pull the trigger.

Baldwin faces his own bout with justice, having plead not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, as he prepares for a trial scheduled for July.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s weapons supervisor, was convicted of the same charge and might face a penalty of up to 18 months in jail plus a $5,000 fine. The sentencing phase has yet to be announced, and she was cleared of a charge related to evidence tampering.

In light of this case progressing, here are several key points to understand:

REMEMBERING HALYNA HUTCHINS

Hutchins, 42 at the time of her death, came from a background that included a Soviet military base childhood and documentary filmmaking in Eastern Europe before moving on to study film in Los Angeles, paving the way for a blossoming career in cinematography.

Described as a passionate “restless dreamer” and “adrenaline junkie” on her social media, Hutchins’ notable works before ‘Rust’ included titles like “Blindfire,” “Darlin’,” and “Archenemy” released in 2020.

She was regarded as a charismatic and beloved figure in the industry. Hutchins’ family has expressed a desire for accountability following Gutierrez-Reed’s conviction.

“We expect the legal process to also hold all other parties responsible for Halyna’s passing to account,” shared their lawyer, Gloria Allred.

Production on ‘Rust’ later moved to Montana, a decision made in agreement with Hutchins’ spouse, Matthew Hutchins, who became an executive producer following the incident.

THE INDICTMENT AGAINST BALDWIN

Previous involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin were dropped after discussions of potential weapon modifications and malfunctions before the accidental shooting.

An additional gun analysis permitted the revival of the case, leading to a grand jury indicting Baldwin on the same charge this past January. The accusation implies Baldwin’s actions, whether negligence or willful disregard for safety, resulted in Hutchins’ death.

A conviction could lead to as long as 18 months in prison.

PROSECUTORIAL STRATEGIES

The indictment allows prosecutors two possible approaches to Baldwin’s charge. They can focus on the negligent operation of a weapon.

An analysis from Forensic Science Services in Arizona casts doubt on Baldwin’s account by concluding that the weapon’s hammer had to be manually discharged to fire.

An FBI specialist asserted during Gutierrez-Reed’s trial that the gun was in working condition, debunking the idea of firing without pulling the trigger without deliberate damage.

Alternatively, the prosecutors may also aim to prove Baldwin’s actions were carried out with a blatant disregard for safety, or “without due caution or circumspection.”

BALDWIN’S LEGAL DEFENSE

Baldwin’s legal team argues that Hutchins’ death, albeit tragic, is not grounds for criminal charges and accuse the prosecution of an erroneous pursuit.

Bowles, representing Gutierrez-Reed, implied during the trial that Baldwin deviated from the script by aiming the weapon at Hutchins.

No video evidence of the incident has been found, and Baldwin’s representatives had not commented on the development as of Wednesday.