Opening Statements to Give Roadmap to Involuntary Manslaughter Case Against Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin is facing an involuntary manslaughter trial in Santa Fe, N.M., for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The trial will explore issues of gun safety, celebrity influence, and the making of a low-budget Western film on a remote ranch.

A jury consisting of 11 women and five men was selected, with four alternates, from a region where gun ownership and safety are significant considerations due to backcountry hunting traditions.

The tragic incident that occurred nearly three years ago shocked the film industry, leading to a felony charge against Mr. Baldwin that could result in up to 18 months in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and claims that the gun fired accidentally while following instructions on set.

Prosecutors argue that Mr. Baldwin failed to adhere to industry standards for firearms safety by pointing the gun at Hutchins. The trial will focus on whether the shooting was a result of negligence or total disregard for safety.

Despite prior incidents of gun misfires on set and crew members expressing concerns, the fatal shooting still came as a shock to the entire movie crew who believed no live ammunition was present.

The armorer on set, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has been held responsible for the shooting and is serving a prison sentence. Prosecutors allege that live rounds were allowed on set without detection, leading to the tragic outcome.

The trial will examine the gun’s mechanics, the final safety check before the rehearsal, and whether the gun could have fired without a trigger pull. The prosecution’s recent analysis suggests that the trigger had to be pulled to release the hammer.

Defense attorneys argue that evidence may have been compromised during testing by the FBI, potentially affecting Mr. Baldwin’s case. The trial will reveal more details about the events leading up to the tragic shooting and the chain of responsibility.