The lead detective in the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” is expected to be a key witness in Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico. Cpl. Alexandria Hancock of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office conducted initial interviews with Baldwin, armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, and assistant director David Halls, who are all criminally charged in the case.
Hancock's testimony is crucial as prosecutors aim to portray Baldwin as reckless with a gun, while the defense seeks to present him as a working actor following instructions. Italian gunmaker Alessandro Pietta testified about the gun involved in the shooting, emphasizing its quality control and standard operation.
Baldwin maintains that the gun fired accidentally when he pulled back the hammer, not the trigger, unaware that it was loaded with a live round. Both Pietta and a sales distributor confirmed the gun was in good working order and had not been modified.
However, concerns were raised about the gun's potential to discharge under certain conditions. The defense questioned the handling of evidence related to the ammunition supply, suggesting a possible redirection of blame.
The judge will consider striking testimony regarding a “good Samaritan” who claimed to have provided the ammunition that killed Hutchins. The prosecution refuted the legitimacy of these claims, highlighting the source of the ammunition and defending the firearms supplier's role.
Gutierrez-Reed's attorney indicated she would assert her Fifth Amendment rights if called to testify due to a pending appeal. The judge denied a pretrial request to grant her immunity.
The trial continues with a focus on witness testimonies and evidence related to the shooting incident on the “Rust” set.
For more coverage of Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial, visit: AP News
