Alec Baldwin entered a New Mexico courthouse Monday for a pretrial hearing related to the involuntary manslaughter charges stemming from the 2021 accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust.” Although Baldwin was excused from attending, he arrived wearing a dark suit, tie, and black-rimmed glasses, accompanied by his defense attorney Alex Spiro.
The actor’s presence was notable given the high-profile nature of the case. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to charges that could result in an 18-month prison sentence if convicted. Jury selection is set to begin Tuesday.
Baldwin, seen at the luxury Eldorado Hotel and Spa the previous night with his legal team, did not address reporters outside the courthouse. Inside, he sat with his attorneys, taking notes during the proceedings.
Key Motions and Evidence Debates
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer is currently hearing arguments on various motions to determine admissible evidence at the trial. Baldwin’s attorneys seek to exclude any discussion of Brandon Lee’s accidental shooting death on the set of “The Crow” in 1993, which had led to stricter firearm safety protocols in Hollywood.
Prosecutors aim to prevent the conclusions of an OSHA report from being introduced. This report found assistant director Dave Halls primarily responsible for Hutchins’ death. Halls, who pleaded no contest to negligent use of a firearm, may testify for the state. Additionally, Baldwin’s defense team argues that OSHA state occupational safety officer Lorenzo Montoya, who interviewed Baldwin post-incident, should not be allowed to testify.
Prosecutors had previously attempted, unsuccessfully, to bar the OSHA report and Montoya from testifying at the trial of “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed. Reed, convicted of the same charge Baldwin faces, is serving an 18-month sentence and is currently appealing her conviction. Jurors found her reckless for placing a live round in the gun Baldwin was holding when it discharged.
As the trial progresses, the legal strategies and courtroom dynamics will be closely watched, given the case’s implications for on-set safety and Hollywood’s handling of firearms.
