Opening Statements Begin as Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Santa Fe, New Mexico – The involuntary manslaughter trial of Alec Baldwin began on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin is accused of killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust in October 2021. After pleading not guilty, the prosecution and defense delivered their opening statements to the jury.
Prosecution Alleges ‘Criminal Neglect’
The prosecution argued that Baldwin was responsible for Hutchins’ death due to his criminal neglect. They alleged that Baldwin failed to take proper safety precautions before firing the gun that killed Hutchins, including failing to check the gun’s barrel for obstructions and failing to receive proper firearms training.
The prosecution also presented evidence that Baldwin had handled the gun in a reckless manner on set prior to the fatal incident. They showed the jury a video of Baldwin waving the gun around and pointing it at other actors, even after being warned about the potential danger.
Defense Argues Baldwin’s Innocence
The defense, however, argued that Baldwin was not responsible for Hutchins’ death and that the fatal shooting was a tragic accident. They contended that Baldwin had relied on the assurance of the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, that the gun was safe to use and that he had no way of knowing that it was loaded with live ammunition.
The defense also presented evidence that Baldwin had taken part in firearms training prior to the incident and that he had followed all the safety protocols that were in place on set.
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