Baldwin’s New Mexico involuntary manslaughter trial is slated to begin Tuesday with jury selection
Santa Fe, N.M. – In a recent development in Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that evidence of Baldwin’s status as a producer on the film “Rust” cannot be introduced by prosecutors.
The judge sided with the defense, stating that linking Baldwin’s producer role to alleged reckless behavior and violations of gun safety protocols would confuse the jurors and unfairly prejudice them. Baldwin, who accidentally discharged a live round on the set in October 2021, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza, has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors had argued that Baldwin’s dual role as producer and actor made him ultimately responsible for the unsafe conditions on set. They claimed Baldwin’s producer status led him to rush the crew and disregard safety measures. Special prosecutor Erlinda Johnson emphasized that Baldwin should have known his actions were reckless when he pointed the gun at Hutchins.
However, Sommer disagreed, noting the state’s argument didn’t sufficiently connect Baldwin’s producer role to the alleged criminal actions as an actor. This ruling also prevents the introduction of videos depicting Baldwin in stressful interactions with the crew.
Key Rulings and Their Implications
Defense attorney Luke Nikas welcomed the ruling, arguing that Baldwin’s producer role was irrelevant to the charges against him. On the other hand, special prosecutor Kari Morrissey downplayed the impact of the judge’s decision.
Judge Sommer made several rulings on other motions as well. She decided that the defense could not introduce findings from a New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau report, which had primarily blamed the film’s management for the incident. However, prosecutors were allowed to present graphic images of Hutchins’ injuries and the aftermath of the shooting.
The court also ruled that evidence of Baldwin’s remorse and the personal impact of the tragedy on his family would not be admissible. Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s armorer, who loaded the live round into the revolver, was convicted of the same charge and is serving an 18-month sentence.
This decision marks a significant moment in Baldwin’s trial, shaping the scope of evidence that will be presented to the jury.
