Alec Baldwin’s Manslaughter Trial Begins with Jury Selection in Santa Fe

The high-profile manslaughter trial of actor Alec Baldwin commences in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with jury selection underway for the tragic shooting on the set of the film ‘Rust.’

Baldwin, accused of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, faces a challenging legal battle following a grand jury indictment earlier this year.

Amidst legal maneuvers and evidentiary rulings, Baldwin’s defense team, led by Luke Nikas, has been at odds with the prosecution, represented by Erlinda Ocampo Johnson, over the scope of evidence allowed in the trial.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommers presides over the courtroom, making critical decisions on what evidence will be presented to the jury, including contentious footage from the ‘Rust’ set depicting Baldwin’s actions with the firearm.

Key witnesses expected to testify during the trial include safety coordinator David Halls, director Joel Souza, and the prosecution’s attorney Kari Morrissey.

Baldwin’s role as a producer of ‘Rust’ has been a focal point, with the prosecution hoping to establish his responsibility for safety lapses on set, while the defense argues against the relevance of production decisions in the shooting incident.

The trial is poised to offer insights into the events leading up to Hutchins’ tragic death, shedding light on the complexities of on-set safety protocols and the responsibilities of actors and producers in film production.