Alec Baldwin Fights Dismissal of Manslaughter Charge in Fatal “Rust” Shooting

Alec Baldwin‘s legal team is pushing for the dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charges against the actor stemming from the on-set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” in October 2021.

Trial Date Looms as Dismissal Request Hangs in the Balance

Baldwin is scheduled to face trial on July 10, 2024. However, his lawyers filed a motion in March seeking to have the case thrown out entirely. They argue that Baldwin is innocent and the charges represent an abuse of the legal system.

Developments in the “Rust” Shooting Case

Two other individuals involved in the shooting have already been convicted. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, received an 18-month prison sentence in April for her role in the incident. The shooting occurred on October 21, 2021, when a prop gun fired a live round, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.

Baldwin’s Defense Strategy: A Challenging Path

While Baldwin’s team is optimistic about their chances of getting the charges dropped, legal experts believe dismissal is unlikely. Former L.A. Deputy District Attorney Emily D. Baker explains that grand jury indictments are rarely dismissed. Prosecutors have broad discretion in how they present evidence to a grand jury.

A Glimmer of Hope? Challenging Jury Instructions

Despite the uphill battle, Baldwin’s lawyers might have a sliver of hope based on their motion’s arguments. They claim that special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey presented “prejudicial” instructions to the grand jury, potentially swaying their decision. Baker highlights this as Baldwin’s strongest argument.

The prosecution vehemently denies these claims, asserting that Baldwin wasn’t aware of the live round and didn’t pull the trigger. Special prosecutors Morrissey and Jason J. Lewis strongly refuted Baldwin’s legal team’s characterization of events in a letter dated April 5.

The Road Ahead: Legal Arguments and a Final Decision

Baldwin’s team has an opportunity to respond to the prosecution’s rebuttal. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer will then decide whether to rule on the dismissal motion based on the filings or allow both sides to present oral arguments in court. Baker believes oral arguments are likely in this case.

The Verdict: A Narrow Legal Question

The eventual decision hinges on a specific legal question: “Did the jury instructions violate the court’s order regarding the grand jury?” According to Baker, even if the case isn’t dismissed, Baldwin’s well-funded legal team could pose a significant challenge to the prosecution’s limited resources. The ongoing casework for Gutierrez-Reed’s trial, along with responding to motions and preparing for Baldwin’s trial, could strain the prosecution’s capacity.

The “Rust” shooting case continues to unfold, with the legal battle set to intensify in the coming weeks. Whether Baldwin will face trial or have the charges dismissed remains to be seen.