By In a significant development preceding Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial, a New Mexico judge has decided that the actor’s role as a co-producer of the Western film “Rust” is not relevant to the case. This ruling marks a major setback for prosecutors, who had planned to present evidence linking Baldwin’s producer responsibilities to the dangerous environment that led to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal in 2021.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer rejected the prosecution’s argument that Baldwin’s awareness of safety obligations as a producer should be considered in determining his guilt as an actor handling the firearm. The judge stated, “I’m denying evidence of his status as a producer,” effectively narrowing the focus of the trial to Baldwin’s actions as an actor on set.
The trial, set to begin with jury selection on Tuesday, is scheduled to last 10 days. Baldwin faces a single felony count of involuntary manslaughter, which carries a potential 18-month prison sentence if convicted.
While the judge has excluded discussion of Baldwin’s producer role, she has allowed crucial firearms experts to testify about his handling of the revolver and whether it was functioning properly before the fatal shooting. The court also permitted the presentation of graphic autopsy images and police body camera footage from the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Baldwin has pleaded not guilty, maintaining that the gun fired accidentally after he followed instructions to point it toward Hutchins. His defense team successfully barred discussion of other fatal gun incidents on movie sets, including the death of actor Brandon Lee in 1993.
The judge has also limited references to the potential dangers of blank rounds and excluded a letter from crew members disputing characterizations of the “Rust” set as chaotic or dangerous. Additionally, evidence designed to garner sympathy for Baldwin, such as expressions of remorse or impact on his family, will not be allowed at trial.
As the high-profile case moves forward, it will focus primarily on Baldwin’s actions as an actor on the day of the shooting, with the prosecution and defense preparing to present their cases within these newly defined parameters.
AP
