Actor Alec Baldwin arrives to District Court for jury selection in his involuntary manslaughter trial, in Santa Fe, N.M., Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Attorney Gloria Allred holds a picture of Halyna Hutchins outside a District Court in which Alec Baldwin is facing involuntary manslaughter charge for her fatal shooting on the set of ‘Rust’, in Santa Fe, N.M., Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Actor Alec Baldwin, left, sits with his lawyer Luke Nikas, in District Court in Santa Fe, N.M.
The actor entered a New Mexico courtroom this week for the first time since the Oct. 21, 2021 shooting, and his trial formally began Wednesday. He is charged withTwo major themes will predominate, one large, one small: the chaotic atmosphere of the movie set, and the details of the Italian-made classic revolver that Baldwin pointed at Hutchins.
Prosecutors have two alternative standards for proving the charge. One is based on the negligent use of a firearm. The other is proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Baldwin acted with total disregard or indifference for the safety of others. Despite the legal and technical complexities of the case, the 12 citizens of Santa Fe County that will make up the jury will have to reach just one verdict — guilty or not guilty — on the single count.