Actor Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after a shooting incident during a film shoot. The trial is scheduled to begin in July. His lawyers are calling for the proceedings to be stopped.
The trial against US actor Alec Baldwin (66) on a charge of negligent homicide is scheduled for July. But in advance, the Hollywood star’s lawyers are trying to avert the proceedings. They presented their arguments on Friday at a hearing lasting several hours before the responsible judge in Santa Fe (US state of New Mexico). Baldwin did not attend the virtual meeting. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer announced that she would decide on the request to dismiss the case next week.
Baldwin’s lawyers accused the public prosecutor, among other things, of making formal errors. For example, prosecutors had biased witnesses testify before a grand jury. Special investigator Kari Morrissey defended herself against allegations that she withheld evidence from the panel and influenced witnesses during questioning.
In the United States, a grand jury investigates crimes after the prosecution presents evidence and decides whether charges should be filed.
After the death of a camerawoman in a shooting incident on the set of the western “Rust” in October 2021, Baldwin was indicted by the grand jury last January. He pleaded not guilty a short time later.
Weapons master found guilty
In a separate trial, weapons master Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was responsible for gun safety on the set of “Rust,” was found guilty of negligent homicide. In April, the judge imposed the maximum sentence of 18 months in prison on Gutierrez-Reed.
Baldwin, who starred and produced the film, was operating a gun while rehearsing a scene when a shot was fired. Camerawoman Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot. It is unclear how the live ammunition ended up on set. Baldwin has always denied responsibility for the fatal accident. If convicted, the Hollywood star could face up to 18 months in prison.
Source: Stern
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