A shocking end to the trial of Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter in the case of the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust, when it was simply… canceled! The judge did not appreciate that evidence was revealed too late by the prosecution to the defense camp and considered these actions as a procedural mistake justifying the end of the trial against Alec Baldwin. The latter was seen in tears after the decision. A look at the (short) trial in 22 images and facts.
A bombshell decision
The Santa Fe judge’s decision to dismiss the charges against Alec Baldwin and to cancel the ongoing trial for procedural defect shook everyone, including the accused and his relative and team.
Free
Alec Baldwin thanks a member of his legal team. The actor is now free.
Hilaria
Hilaria Baldwin, Alec’s wife and controversial figure, emotionally held her husband following the mistrial announcement.
A wall of reporters
On July 10, the first day of his trial, Baldwin arrived in court, pushing through a wall of reporters, as opening statements from the defense and prosecutors took place in the morning.
Outside the court
The lawyer representing Halyna Hutchins’ family was present outside the court before the proceedings began to represent the interests of the victim and her loved ones.
His wife
On the first day of his trial, Alec Baldwin was accompanied by his loved ones, including his wife Hilaria who sat behind him in the courtroom.
His brother
His brother Stephen Baldwin was also present in the room, as the actor faced manslaughter charges linked to the incident that resulted in the death of Halyna Hutchins.
Reckless
In her opening statements, the prosecutor accused Alec Baldwin of engaging in reckless behavior on the set of Rust.
No crime
Baldwin’s lawyer instead placed the blame squarely on the set’s armorer and the set’s security manager, saying that despite the unspeakable tragedy, the actor committed no crime.
Hilaria and Stephen Baldwin
During a break before prosecutors called the first witness, Hilaria and Stephen Baldwin came to comfort the actor.
Difficult times
A presence undoubtedly comforting for Baldwin in these difficult times.
A week
The actor’s trial, which had just begun, was expected to last more than a week.
Involuntary manslaughter
The manslaughter trial involving Alec Baldwin, following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the 2021 film Rust, began on Tuesday July 9 with jury selection at the New Mexico courthouse.
A rehearsal
This tragic incident took place nearly three years ago, on October 21, 2021, during a rehearsal on set at Bonanza Creek Ranch. Baldwin, pointing a gun at Hutchins, saw the weapon discharge, resulting in the cinematographer’s death.
18 months
Baldwin, who faced up to 18 months in prison, claimed that he did not pull the trigger, but simply cocked the hammer of the revolver, causing it to fire. The bullet fatally struck Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza, who testified at the trial.
In court
The 66-year-old actor in court with his lawyers. He seemed very emotive from since the start of the trial.
Media attention
Certainly one of the most closely watched trials of the year, the trial captured the attention of the world’s media, with a strong presence of both American and international journalists.
70 candidates
The jury selection process involved the prosecution and defense interviewing 70 candidates in order to obtain an official panel by the end of the day.
Exculpatory evidence destroyed
Baldwin’s first efforts to have the charges against him dismissed were unsuccessful, as he argued that potentially exculpatory evidence had been destroyed, including the allegation that the weapon had been damaged during testing by the FBI.
Critical questions
Prosecutors in this trial tackled crucial questions about film set safety, deeply shaking the Hollywood industry.
With impatience
A few months ago, the set’s armorer was convicted in the same case. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison in April. Since then, media and public alike have been anxiously awaiting to find out what the verdict will be for Baldwin.