In a significant development for the defense, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that Alec Baldwin's role as a producer on the film 'Rust' will not be considered during his involuntary manslaughter trial related to the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The prosecution had been emphasizing Baldwin's position as a producer to suggest he had more responsibility and influence on the set than just as an actor. However, the judge found this argument confusing and ultimately decided that evidence related to his producer status would not be allowed in court.
With this ruling, the jury will now focus solely on Baldwin as an actor holding the gun during the tragic incident, without considering his role as a supervisor responsible for set safety.
The trial, set to begin with jury selection, is expected to last about two weeks. The case stems from the fatal shooting of Hutchins on October 21, 2021, during a rehearsal for the film 'Rust' at a New Mexico ranch.
Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter for his alleged negligence in handling the gun that resulted in Hutchins' death and injuries to director Joel Souza. The armorer and props assistant, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was previously found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to prison.
Other key evidentiary rulings made during the hearing included the admissibility of videos showing Baldwin's handling of the firearm on set. While some videos were allowed, others showing unrelated behavior were deemed irrelevant to the case.
Additionally, the judge ruled to exclude a letter from crew members defending the set's safety, citing hearsay rules. The defense also secured the right to question the director about his civil lawsuit against Baldwin and seek testimony from a former investigator who criticized the investigation.
