Alec Baldwin's Rust Trial Moves Forward: Judge Denies Dismissal

A judge has denied Alec Baldwin's motion to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charge related to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust. Baldwin, who could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted, argued that the prosecution had unfairly influenced the grand jury. However, Judge Mary Sommer found no bad faith in the prosecution's conduct. The incident occurred when a prop gun held by Baldwin fired a live round, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Despite Baldwin's claim that the gun malfunctioned and that he didn't pull the trigger, the court is moving forward with the trial set to start in July.

If convicted, Alec Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter.

The incident occurred during the production of Rust, a low-budget western film. On October 21, 2021, Baldwin was holding a prop gun that discharged a live round, leading to the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza. The case has seen multiple legal twists, including Baldwin initially having charges dropped, only to be recharged following further investigations. Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has already been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison for her role in the incident.