Alec Baldwin’s trial in 9 images and facts

The manslaughter trial involving Alec Baldwin, following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the 2021 film Rust, began on Tuesday July 9 with jury selection at the New Mexico courthouse.

This tragic incident took place nearly three years ago, on October 21, 2021, during a rehearsal on set at Bonanza Creek Ranch. Baldwin, pointing a gun at Hutchins, saw the weapon discharge, resulting in the cinematographer’s death.

Baldwin, who faces up to 18 months in prison, claims that he did not pull the trigger, but simply cocked the hammer of the revolver, causing it to fire. The bullet fatally struck Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza, who testified at the trial.

The 66-year-old actor is in court with his lawyers. His wife, Hilaria, was also seen there.

Certainly one of the most closely watched trials of the year, the trial captured the attention of the world’s media, with a strong presence of both American and international journalists.

The jury selection process involved the prosecution and defense interviewing 70 candidates in order to obtain an official panel by the end of the day.

Baldwin’s efforts to have the charges against him dismissed were unsuccessful, as he argued that potentially exculpatory evidence had been destroyed, including the allegation that the weapon had been damaged during testing by the FBI.

Prosecutors in this trial are tackling crucial questions about film set safety, deeply shaking the Hollywood industry.

A few months ago, the set’s armorer was convicted in the same case. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison in April. Since then, media and public alike have been anxiously awaiting to find out what the verdict will be for Baldwin.