Key Players in the Alec Baldwin Manslaughter Trial: A Closer Look

The trial of actor Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie “Rust” is set to begin with opening arguments on Wednesday. The incident occurred in New Mexico in 2021 when a prop gun that was not supposed to contain live ammunition went off, killing Ms. Hutchins.

Key players in the case include Mr. Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty and vehemently denied responsibility for the shooting. He claims he was told the gun was not loaded with live ammunition and did not pull the trigger when it discharged. Prosecutors, however, argue that forensic evidence suggests otherwise.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer responsible for weapons and ammunition on set, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. She loaded a live round into the gun that day and failed to catch it during a check.

Other key figures include Dave Halls, the first assistant director who admitted to failing to thoroughly check the gun on the day of the shooting, and Sarah Zachry, the head of props who was involved in a previous accidental gun discharge on set.

The trial will be overseen by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, who presided over Gutierrez-Reed’s trial and handed down the maximum prison sentence. Special prosecutors Kari T. Morrissey and Erlinda O. Johnson will lead the case against Baldwin, while his defense team includes lawyers Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas.

The trial is expected to shed light on the events leading up to the tragic shooting and determine the accountability of those involved in the production of “Rust.”