Negligent homicide - The jury in the trial against Alec Baldwin has been selected
The process against US film star Alec Baldwin for the fatal shooting of a cinematographer began on Tuesday with the selection of the jury. Given the celebrity status of the defendant and the unique nature of the case, the selection of impartial jurors proved challenging, but it was eventually completed by the end of the day. Baldwin appeared at the courthouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico, accompanied by his wife, one of his children, a nanny, and several attorneys for the process opening.
The 66-year-old actor must answer for manslaughter charges because cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally struck by a bullet from a pistol Baldwin was holding during the filming of the Western "Rust" in 2021. He faces up to 18 months in prison.
Few Potential Jurors Had Never Heard of the Alec Baldwin-Related Incident
During the questioning for jury selection on Tuesday, only a few of the dozens of potential jurors declared that they had never heard of the incident regarding "Rust" production. This case generated significant attention and polarized the public. Fatalities caused by prop weapons on film sets are rare. In theory, live ammunition is banned on sets in the US. Hollywood star Baldwin has consistently maintained his innocence. The prosecution alleges that Baldwin contributed negligently to the incident.
Prospective jurors were questioned on Tuesday about whether they owned firearms and if they had worked in the film industry. Due to technical issues, the selection of 16 jurors, including alternates, was delayed. The first hearings are scheduled for Wednesday.
Baldwin unexpectedly attended a hearing on Monday before the official proceedings began and took notes. He made a relaxed impression during the hearing. The armorer of the film production, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, had already been found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. It remains unclear exactly how the gun was loaded with live ammunition.
- Despite being a well-known US movie star, Alec Baldwin found it challenging to secure an impartial jury for his manslaughter trial, as many potential jurors had already formed opinions about the incident involving cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
- The fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the "Rust" movie set in 2021, caused by a bullet discharged from a pistol being held by actor Alec Baldwin, led to manslaughter charges against the US film star.
- During his appearance at the courthouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the trial associated with the death of Halyna Hutchins, US movie star Alec Baldwin was accompanied by his wife, one of his children, a nanny, and several attorneys, demonstrating his support during this challenging time.
