Manslaughter on the set of Rust | The main protagonists of the Alec Baldwin trial

During the filming of the movie Rust in New Mexico in 2021, a gunshot rang out. The gun that actor Alec Baldwin was rehearsing with, supposedly loaded with blanks, contained real bullets. Director of photography Halyna Hutchins was killed. The person in charge of weapons and ammunition on the set, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Baldwin’s trial, also charged with involuntary manslaughter, began Wednesday. He has pleaded not guilty. Here are the main protagonists.

The film production team

Alec Baldwin, actor and producer

Baldwin, who played a wily old outlaw in Rustvigorously denies any responsibility for the death of Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021. He claims he was told that the revolver he was given that day was loaded with blanks, adding that the presence of a loaded gun on a set is inconceivable. Baldwin also denies pulling the trigger when the gun went off and says he only pulled the hammer and then gave a thumbs-up (a sign of a malfunction); prosecutors say the technical examination suggests he pulled the trigger. However, it appears that the examination damaged the gun, making a second opinion impossible.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, gunsmith

The gunsmith, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was in charge of the guns and ammunition during filming. Although there was supposed to be no live ammunition on set, she put a live round in the cylinder of the gun that day and did not detect it when she checked the gun. On April 24, a jury convicted her of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors alleged that she brought the live ammunition to the set, which she denied. She is serving an 18-month prison sentence, the maximum sentence Baldwin could face if convicted. She has appealed her conviction.

Dave Halls, First Assistant Director

As first assistant director, Dave Halls was responsible for the shooting schedule and safety coordinator. In this role, he was responsible for ensuring that firearms were safe to handle. Halls admitted that he did not carefully check the revolver on the day of filming. He pleaded guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon and avoided prison time.

Sarah Zachry, prop master

Sarah Zachry was in charge of props on the set, including guns and ammunition, and was Gutierrez-Reed’s superior. She admitted to being responsible for one of two accidental firearm discharges on the set of Rust five days before the fatal shooting. She is cooperating with prosecutors under an agreement that protects her from prosecution.

The tribunal

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer

Judge Marlowe Sommer, of 1^er New Mexico Judicial District, is familiar with the context of the tragedy of Rust for hearing the trial of M^me Gutierrez-Reed, who she gave the maximum prison sentence to. She refused to show clemency to the convicted woman, telling her she did not “deserve it.”

Kari T. Morrissey, Special Prosecutor

Career defense attorney Kari T. Morrissey inherited the case when the previous special prosecutor resigned and the Santa Fe County district attorney stepped down.^me Morrissey initially dismissed the case against Baldwin, seeking to address concerns raised by Baldwin’s lawyers that the gun had been modified, increasing the risk of accidental discharge. After the gun was analyzed by experts, Mr.^me Morrissey said she was convinced the defendant pulled the trigger and decided to relaunch criminal proceedings against him.

Erlinda Ocampo Johnson, Special Prosecutor

Erlinda Ocampo Johnson has just joined the M team^e Morrissey. It’s a return to the prosecution side for the former prosecutor who now focuses on personal injury, immigration and civil rights cases.

Alex Spiro, Baldwin’s attorney

A New York defense attorney and former prosecutor known for his combative approach, Alex Spiro’s clients include Elon Musk, rapper Jay-Z and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. He has led the arguments at numerous pretrial hearings, filing numerous objections to the prosecution’s claims.

Luke Nikas, Baldwin’s attorney

Lawyer Luke Nikas, best known for his arts litigation, joined the case several months after the events, when civil suits were being filed.^e Nikas and M^e Spiro had previously represented Baldwin in a civil dispute that arose following a fight over a parking space.

This article was published in the New York Times.

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