There are only a few days left until Alex Baldwin’s trial begins on charges of involuntary manslaughter.
After many changes and sudden starts and stops on the rollercoaster, 30 Rock The star will actually face a jury and possible jail time for the death of cinematographer Helena Hutchins, who died during an accidental shooting on the set of Alex’s film, War,
after War Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sent to prison for her role in the accident, so many are wondering if the same will happen to Alex.
Here is what we know so far:
Alex Baldwin trial date: Jury selection to begin in July
Starting in July 2024, the world will focus on both sides presenting their versions of the events that led to the death of a young mother and artist.
Jury selection is set to begin July 9. If all goes well, that would mean testimony would begin July 10.
Thereafter, the hearing will continue for eight days and conclude on July 19.
Interestingly, Alex’s lawyers had requested that the trial begin a month earlier. His lead attorney, Alex Spiro, had originally filed a motion to begin on June 13.
“Mr. Baldwin has been dealing with this case for a number of years,” Spiro said during the hearing. “We are asking for a speedy trial.”
Prosecutor Carrie Morrissey delayed the hearing because she told the court she wouldn’t be available until July.
Strike one for Team Baldwin.
What is Alex Baldwin accused of in this lawsuit?
Alex Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case in January 2023.
Nearly two months earlier, the young cinematographer was preparing to film a scene with Baldwin on a farm near Santa Fe, NM in October 2021 when the gun went off. Hayla Hutchinson was shot and tragically died from her injuries.
His defense team says there is evidence that shows the Colt .45 he had in his hand at the scene was not functioning properly.
The charges against Alex were dropped just three months after they were filed. New Mexico prosecutors initially dropped the criminal case against him to review new evidence.
After their thorough investigation they concluded that there was sufficient evidence to reinstate the charges.
,[Alec Baldwin] “The acts, committed with total disregard for the safety of others, caused the death of Helena Hutchins,” the indictment, filed in January 2024, states.
“Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed sentenced to maximum prison time
War Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the accidental shooting death of Halyna Hutchins in March 2024.
On April 15 he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, the maximum possible sentence for the offence.
Gutierrez-Reed, 26, wept as New Mexico District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommers sentenced her and denied a request from her legal team.
“Release on conditions is not appropriate,” the judge admitted. “The other option – leaving you in a detention center – is to give you a way out that you do not deserve … You single-handedly turned a safe weapon into a deadly weapon. But for you, a husband would have his wife and a little boy would have his mother.”
Was Alex Baldwin found guilty?
The answer to this question is yet to be seen.
Alex has insisted he didn’t fire the shot, but if found guilty he could face up to 18 months in prison.
According to his defense team, prosecutors are attempting to hold him responsible as a producer for omissions that made the set unsafe.
“One theory is that as creative producers he also has criminal liability,” his lawyer said. “We don’t think it would stand scrutiny.”
Death of Helena Hutchins
Alex is accused of firing a live bullet from a Colt .45 revolver while rehearsing for a scene on October 21, 2021.
Cinematographer Helena Hutchins was killed in the shooting. Director Joel Souza was also injured.
In his testimony and interviews since the incident, Alex has repeatedly denied pulling the trigger. He says he was told the gun was “cold” before being given the weapon.
But Alex isn’t the only person on trial for Helena’s death.
The film’s weapons manufacturer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, is charged with involuntary manslaughter as well as evidence tampering.
We will keep you updated as new information becomes available.