Baldwin's legal battle: Will involuntary manslaughter trial proceed?
It's been almost three years since the tragedy on the set of the movie "Rust." Alec Baldwin pulled the trigger, and a prop gun discharged a bullet that fatally wounded cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The actor is now on the brink of a trial for involuntary manslaughter. Will it happen?
The case shocked the world at the time. In one of the "Rust" scenes, Alec Baldwin was supposed to handle a gun, which was accidentally discharged. While the director and screenwriter were fortunately only grazed, the cinematographer did not survive. The 42-year-old Halyna Hutchins was transported by helicopter to the hospital, but unfortunately, it was not possible to save her. - I would never point a gun at anyone and pull a trigger at them (...) I have no idea. Someone put a live bullet in a gun, a bullet that wasn’t even supposed to be on the property - Baldwin commented in a high-profile interview with ABC.
Alec Baldwin awaits trial for involuntary manslaughter
The investigation into the case lasted many months. Numerous testimonies from set workers, firearm experts, etc., emerged. The main culprits, according to the prosecution, were Hannah Gutierrez Reed, responsible for the guns on the set of "Rust," and Alec Baldwin. In January of this year, the actor was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
In response, the star issued a statement disclaiming responsibility for the tragic accident involving the cinematographer. According to him, the gun discharged on its own, which contradicts the evidence gathered by the prosecution. In a report published a few days ago, it claims that the cinema star shamelessly lied about the matter to avoid legal consequences.
The actor's trial is set to begin on July 10. However, new information is now emerging from Baldwin's legal team. They want the trial to be invalidated. They argue that the prosecution destroyed a crucial piece of evidence—the Colt 11.43 mm revolver. The actor's lawyer, John Bash, claims that the defence was not allowed to examine the gun in its original state, was not allowed to inspect it after tests, and was not provided with photos of its internal components.
One of the experts speaking to "Variety" magazine commented that it is an audacity like never seen before, as he believes Baldwin's defenders must have known the gun would be destroyed and did nothing to preserve it as evidence.
According to American media, the actor's trial is scheduled to begin on July 10 and last at least eight days. However, it could be extended by a week because the list of witnesses to be interviewed is long. Baldwin could face up to 18 months in jail if he is found guilty.
It should be noted that in mid-April, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced in her case. Reed was sentenced to the maximum penalty of 18 months in prison. It was reported that before the verdict was announced, the judge referred to the woman's lack of remorse.
Your lawyer had to inform the court that you feel remorse - the accused was admonished. One of the prosecutors also reviewed her conversations from prison, which clearly showed that Reed did not take responsibility for Hutchins’ death, and even more - she tried to blame the witnesses testifying against her or the prosecutors.
