Alec Baldwin’s role as producer excluded in ‘Rust’ manslaughter trial: How does it affect the case?
A New Mexico judge ruled in favor of Alec Baldwin and determining that his role as co-producer on ‘Rust’ cannot be used as evidence at trial.
Hours before the involuntary manslaughter trial against actor Alec Baldwin was due to begin, a New Mexico judge ruled in his favor and determined that his role as co-producer in the film ‘Rust’ cannot be used as evidence in the case, which rules out a fundamental part of the State’s argument to accuse the actor.
In addition to his role as an actor in the independent western, Alec Baldwin was also an executive producer of the film. As the State argues, Baldwin shirked his duties as a producer by allowing questionable security practices that led to the unfortunate death of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.
Hutchins died after being shot directly by Baldwin, who was rehearsing an action scene with a prop gun that he says he didn’t know was loaded with real ammunition.
Alec Baldwin, excluded as producer of 'Rust' in involuntary manslaughter trial
The judge’s ruling was given during a pre-trial motions hearing that for his trial that began on Tuesday in Santa Fe.
“I’m having real difficulty with the state’s position that they want to show that as a producer, he didn’t follow guidelines, and therefore, as an actor, Mr. Baldwin did all these things wrong resulting in the death of Halyna Hutchins because as a producer, he allowed this all to happen”, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer declared, adding that The decision-making between producers goes beyond Baldwin, so his role as such will not be considered as evidence in the case.
“The probative value is not substantially outweighed by unfair prejudice and certainly confusion of issues to the jury, so I’m denying evidence of his status as a producer,” she sentenced.
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How does the judge's ruling affect the case?
By excluding Baldwin’s role as producer of the film, prosecutors will now only be able to argue that the actor acted recklessly by pointing the gun directly at the cinematographer, in addition to failing to check the revolver before firing.
This turn of events could be a victory for Baldwin, since the armorer in the film, responsible for checking the prop weapon, has already been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter by not ensuring that the weapon did not have live ammunition.
How long will Alec Baldwin's trial last?
The involuntary manslaughter trial against Alec Baldwin begins this Tuesday, July 9, with jury selection. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks, although it could be extended, depending on the evidence and testimonies in the case. If convicted, Alec Baldwin could face a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison, plus thousands of dollars in fines.