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Alec Baldwin’s trial for involuntary manslaughter charges began earlier this month, with jury selection beginning on July 9 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 11 women and five men were selected for the jury.
The charges stem from the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed in an accident shooting on the set of Alec Baldwin’s Western film Rust.
The trial is expected to last a little over a week, with over 60 witnesses expected to take the stand, including Rust director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the shooting.
Earlier this year, armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was put on trial and convicted of involuntary manslaughter, resulting in an 18-month-long prison sentence. If convicted, the former 30 Rock star faces a similar sentence.
According to reports, opening statements in the trial were given on Wednesday, July 10, leading to Baldwin’s sister Beth Keuchler breaking down in tears and having to be comforted by their brother Stephen Baldwin.
“Stephen [Baldwin] was seen consoling his sister, who was crying during opening statements,” a source told Entertainment Tonight. “[Beth] and Stephen went out into the hallway, where Stephen continued to console his sister, who was visibly emotional, crying and wiping away tears.”
“A source also tells ET, ‘Hilaria [Baldwin’s wife] has been a huge support system for Alec during this difficult time and will continue to be throughout the trial. The camera crew for their upcoming reality TV show isn’t with them during this.’”
A key point of contention is the condition and functionality of the prop revolver that fired the bullet that killed Hutchins.
While Baldwin has long claimed he only pulled down the hammer and *not* the trigger, analysis conducted by the FBI found that the trigger had to have been pulled in order to discharge the weapon.
Baldwin’s reality show, titled The Baldwins, is currently filming and is scheduled to premiere on TLC next year.