A judge in New Mexico has rejected American actor Alec Baldwin’s attempt to have the involuntary manslaughter charge against him dismissed. The court believes that a jury should decide whether Baldwin’s recklessness led to the death of camerawoman Halyna Hutchins during the shooting of the western Rust in 2021. Baldwin is scheduled to stand trial on July 9, facing up to 1.5 years in prison if convicted.
During a hearing, Baldwin’s lawyer argued that there could be no question of involuntary manslaughter because Baldwin had been told that there were no real bullets in the gun. However, the judge rejected that argument and found it an open question whether Baldwin had enough information to know whether the revolver was loaded. The jury must decide that, she ruled.
Despite his attempts to have the charge dismissed, Baldwin will proceed to trial where a jury will determine his fate. The outcome of the trial will determine whether Baldwin’s actions amounted to involuntary manslaughter. The court’s decision to proceed with the trial indicates that there is evidence suggesting that Baldwin may have acted recklessly leading to the tragic death of Hutchins. The trial is scheduled to begin on July 9, and Baldwin will face the possibility of up to 1.5 years in prison if convicted.
