How did the Rust shooting incident lead to Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case? Timeline examined

Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of gun violence and deaths.

The tragic incident on the set of the film Rust has left many people shocked and searching for answers. What started as a normal day of filming turned into a nightmare when a gun went off in Alec Baldwin’s hands. This resulted in the death of camerawoman Halyna Hutchins. This incident not only shocked the world but also led to a lengthy legal battle involving Alec Baldwin.

This unfortunate event set off a series of legal twists and turns that led to Baldwin being charged with manslaughter. If convicted, the actor could be sentenced to up to 18 months in prison. As the courtroom drama unfolds, here’s a detailed look at the chronology of events.

The incident and the initial investigations

The tragic incident occurred in October 2021 on the set of Rust, a western film shot in New Mexico. During a rehearsal, a gun Baldwin was holding went off, fatally wounding Hutchins. Joel Souza was also injured in the incident. The gun had been given to Baldwin by assistant director Dave Halls. Halls and armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed declared the gun cold, meaning it was safe to use.

December 2021: Baldwin’s first interview

In December 2021, Baldwin spoke publicly about the incident for the first time in an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. He insisted that he did not pull the trigger and claimed that the gun went off when he released the hammer. He said he had no intention of firing the weapon. In January 2023, Baldwin was formally charged with two counts of manslaughter.

The charges were reduced from a mandatory five-year prison sentence to a maximum of 18 months. This interview was a significant moment as it gave the public Baldwin’s perspective on the incident.

January 2023: First charges announced

More than a year after the shooting, prosecutors in New Mexico charged Baldwin with two counts of manslaughter in January 2023. This shocked many, including Baldwin’s legal team. The charges suggested that Baldwin’s actions on set were negligent and contributed to Hutchins’ death.

The case has seen some legal twists and turns. Special prosecutor Andrea Reeb resigned after Baldwin’s lawyers argued her appointment violated the state constitution. Her successor, Kari Morrissey, took over and decided to present the case to a grand jury. This led to Baldwin being re-indicted in January 2024.

April 2023: Charges dropped, then reinstated

In April 2023, the new prosecution team dropped the charges against Baldwin to investigate further. This time, the focus was on the mechanics of the gun. However, this did not mean Baldwin was off the hook. In January 2024, a grand jury re-indicted Baldwin on two counts of manslaughter, ensuring that the litigation would continue.

In February 2024, the trial of Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the gunsmith from the film, began. She was accused of similar charges of negligent homicide. The prosecution argued that she had failed in her duty to ensure the safety of the weapon. And this had directly led to the tragic accident. In March 2024, Gutierrez Reed was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Recent developments in the case

The trial officially began on July 9, 2024, with jury selection. A panel of 16 jurors, including four alternates, was selected. Opening statements were made by the prosecution and Baldwin’s defense on July 10. The trial, which is expected to last until July 19, calls for Baldwin to face up to 18 months in prison if convicted.

Baldwin’s wife, Hilaria, and his brother, Stephan, are two pillars of support for him. His defense team continues to argue that the shooting was an accident and that Baldwin did not pull the trigger. However, the prosecution claims that Baldwin handled the gun carelessly, which led to Hutchins’ death.

A timeline of key events

• October 2021: Halyna Hutchins is shot on the set of Rust
• December 2021: Baldwin gives his first interview about the incident
• April 2022: Authorities publish evidence of the incident
• January 2023: Baldwin is initially charged with manslaughter
• April 2023: Charges against Baldwin temporarily dropped
• January 2024: Baldwin is again charged with two counts of manslaughter
• March 2024: Gutierrez Reed is found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison
• July 2024: Baldwin’s trial begins again

As the trial continues, all eyes turn to the Santa Fe courthouse where the jury will decide Baldwin’s fate in this high-profile case. Stay tuned to PINKVILLA for more updates on this topic.