SANTA FE, N.M. — During the second day of Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico, proceedings intensified with the actor’s defense team scrutinizing the investigation surrounding the fatal shooting on the set of the movie “Rust.” Defense attorney Alex Spiro focused heavily on the handling of live ammunition that was inadvertently loaded into Baldwin’s revolver, which led to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The trial saw Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer allow the prosecution to present statements previously made by Baldwin, illustrating his experience with firearms and blank rounds. This is pertinent as it speaks to Baldwin’s awareness and handling of the weapon involved in the incident.
Spiro questioned Santa Fe County sheriff’s technician Marissa Poppell about the timeliness and thoroughness of the searches conducted on various properties, including a prop truck and a warehouse, used by the film’s production. The defense aimed to underline potential oversights and rushed judgments in the investigation process, suggesting an undue focus on Baldwin by the prosecutors from the start.
Notably, the defense highlighted the involvement of Seth Kenney, an Albuquerque-based weapons supplier, in the police investigation. Kenney, who had access to the safe storing the guns, was not charged with any wrongdoing. Spiro’s questioning suggested the proximity of Kenney’s relationship with investigators could have influenced the course of their findings.
The defense’s strategy also questioned the time taken by law enforcement to secure a search warrant for the prop truck, contrasting it with the more immediate action taken to search the church set where the shooting occurred. Poppell confirmed that she found several live rounds on set, yet none were found in the prop truck when searched a week later.
Further, Spiro pointed out inconsistencies or gaps in the investigation, probing whether Poppell harbored any suspicions towards Kenney, to which she replied negatively. The trial also discussed the origins of the live ammunition, indicating that it was Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer already convicted of involuntary manslaughter, who brought it onto the set.
As the defense painted a picture of potential investigative oversight, special prosecutor Kari Morrissey worked to refocus the narrative during her questioning. She clarified Baldwin was not charged for bringing or loading the live ammunition but underlined his responsibility in handling the firearm during the scene.
Morrissey also scrutinized the defense’s implication about new evidence brought forth by a friend of Gutierrez-Reed’s father after the armorer’s trial. The prosecution downplayed its significance in Baldwin’s case, emphasizing it differed from the ammunition that caused Hutchins’ death.
The case is mired in complexities surrounding film set safety protocols, the accountability of actors in handling weapons, and the procedures followed by law enforcement in securing and processing evidence. Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison if found guilty. The trial has attracted widespread attention, underscoring ongoing concerns about safety in film production and the responsibilities of those involved. Baldwin’s family members, including his wife, Hilaria, and siblings Stephen Baldwin and Elizabeth Keuchler, have been present in court, showing their support during these critical proceedings.