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Alec Baldwin was in court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Tuesday as jury selection began in his involuntary manslaughter trial. 

The actor faces up to 18 months in prison for his role in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. In October 2021, a prop gun Baldwin was holding while rehearsing a scene for the movie Rust misfired, striking and killing Hutchins. 

Prosecutors allege that Baldwin disregarded gun safety protocols, leading to Hutchins’ death. Baldwin’s lawyers are expected to cast blame on the movie’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, arguing she was responsible for firearms safety on the set. Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year and is serving an 18-month sentence.

Alec Baldwin and his lawyer walking into court accompanied by a law enforcement officer
Alec Baldwin arrives for jury selection in his trial for involuntary manslaughter in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on July 9, 2024 | Frederic J. Brown / AFP

Baldwin’s eyes were downcast as he arrived with his lawyer, Alex Spiro, at the Steve Herrera Judicial Complex in downtown Santa Fe on July 9. 

Alec Baldwin and his lawyer walking into court
Alec Baldwin | Frederic J. Brown / AFP

Throngs of media and onlookers descended on the courthouse to catch a glimpse of the Oscar-nominated actor ahead of his criminal trial. 

Alec Baldwin and his lawyer walking into court as onlookers take photos
Alec Baldwin | Frederic J. Brown / AFP

Opening statements in Baldwin’s case should take place on July 10, after jury selection is completed. The trial is expected to last nine days. 

Alec Baldwin looking down with his hand on his forehead
Alec Baldwin at a pretrial hearing on July 8 | Ross D. Franklin – Pool/Getty Images

Baldwin was also in court on July 8 for a pretrial hearing when Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that his role as Rust’s co-producer was not relevant at the trial. 

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer listens from the bench during Alec Baldwin's pretrial hearing
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer listens during a pretrial hearing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on July 8, 2024 | Ross D. Franklin / POOL / AFP
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Prosecutors had planned to emphasize that Baldwin had an obligation to ensure safety on set because of his producer title. However, Sommer sided with the actor’s lawyers in deciding not to allow evidence related to his non-actor role in the movie’s production. 

Cameras will not be present in the courtroom during jury selection in order to protect the privacy of potential jurors. However, Court TV will provide live coverage once the trial begins, along with commentary from its team of legal and forensic experts. 

Baldwin’s wife of 12 years, Hilaria Baldwin, was by his side when he arrived at the courthouse on Tuesday, along with their youngest child, Ilaria Catalina Irena Baldwin. The couple share seven children in total. 

Days before his trial began, Baldwin took to his Instagram to wish his wife a happy anniversary. 

“​​June 30, 2012,” he wrote. “Although I fell in love with you the moment I met you, marrying you seemed like a dream. Good and bad. Ups and downs. 7 kids. (Plus Ireland, Andre and Holland.) Four dogs. Four cats. In spite of some tough times for me, I wouldn’t trade any of it. Happy Anniversary. You are my gift.”

In June, the couple announced that they would star in The Baldwins, a new reality show for TLC chronicling their family life. It’s set to air sometime in 2025. 

Source: AP

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