Alec Baldwin's trial for involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust is moving forward with significant developments shaping the case.
Deadline reported that Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison, will not be required to testify at Baldwin's upcoming trial.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer announced on Friday that actor Alec Baldwin's trial would proceed next month. The trial concerns the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust in 2021. The tragedy has drawn immense public scrutiny and legal challenges.
The trial is scheduled to commence on July 9, 2024, and is anticipated to last approximately two weeks. Baldwin, who pled not guilty, faces serious allegations and multiple civil cases stemming from the incident. The judge's decision marks a crucial step in the legal process as the trial date approaches.
One of the significant rulings during the virtual court session was that armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed does not have to testify. This decision was a focal point of the heated hearing, with implications for both the prosecution and the defense.
The prosecution had filed a motion requesting that Gutierrez-Reed testify with immunity. However, Judge Sommer denied this motion, indicating that other witnesses could provide testimony on matters pertinent to the case. She emphasized the need to avoid a "mini trial within a trial."
Gutierrez-Reed's reluctance to testify was also highlighted by her attorney, Jason Bowles, who supported the judge's ruling as avoiding unnecessary complexities.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in a New Mexico state prison. Despite the prosecution's arguments that the jury should hear her insights concerning Baldwin, the judge's decision prevents her from being compelled to testify.
During the virtual hearing, neither Baldwin nor Gutierrez-Reed were present, adding another layer to the highly charged legal proceedings. Special Prosecutors Morrissey and Erlinda Johnson expressed their concern that the jury should be allowed to hear Gutierrez-Reed's potential testimony, both for and against Baldwin.
A significant development in the hearing was the denial of the defense's motion to dismiss the case.
Baldwin's legal team had argued that the state failed to establish a criminal offense. Defense lawyer John Bash stated that under New Mexico law, the state must demonstrate the defendant's awareness of the risk his or her actions posed to another individual.
Bash argued that the prosecution had not shown that Baldwin had a subjective awareness of the risk of a loaded firearm, a critical element of involuntary manslaughter. However, the judge refuted this argument, indicating that disputed facts should be presented before the jury rather than dismissed pre-trial.
Judge Sommer stated, "I’m not going to do a mini trial within a trial.” She added that Baldwin, as an actor, should not have pointed the gun at someone and emphasized the necessity for the jury to resolve disputed facts.
Special Prosecutor Morrissey argued strongly against the defense’s attempts to dismiss the case.
He highlighted the inherent dangers posed by the firearm, stating, “This gun can only kill someone if it’s got live ammunition in it.” Morrissey further asserted that Baldwin was aware the firearm had the potential to cause harm, challenging the defense’s claims of Baldwin's lack of awareness.
Additionally, Morrissey noted, “What Mr. Bash is telling the court which is absolutely false – unless this gun has a live round in it, it is completely harmless.”
His arguments aimed to establish Baldwin's knowledge and responsibility regarding the circumstances that led to Hutchins' tragic death.
The hearing also included discussions on various other defense motions, including allegations of evidence destruction and the legitimacy of witness testimonies. These elements will likely continue to be contentious points as the trial date approaches.
As the court prepares for the high-profile trial, both sides are mobilizing their arguments and strategies. Baldwin’s defense maintains his innocence, while the prosecution seeks to ensure all relevant information is presented to the jury.
The upcoming trial of Alec Baldwin for the tragic shooting on the set of Rust marks a pivotal moment in the prolonged legal battle.
With Hannah Gutierrez-Reed excused from testifying and the rejection of the defense's motion to dismiss, the stage is set for a trial that aims to address key disputed facts and deliver justice for Halyna Hutchins.
