Rashi Mehta
Questioning the Investigation
During the second day of Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico, Spiro rigorously questioned Santa Fe County sheriff’s technician Marissa Poppell. He challenged the thoroughness and timing of the searches conducted on the prop truck and a warehouse where ammunition for the film was stored. The defense suggested that the investigation was subpar and that key evidence might have been overlooked or mishandled.
Spiro highlighted a week-long delay in searching a prop truck, which he found suspicious given the urgency of the situation. “If you can do a search warrant in one day for one thing, why does it take seven days for something else?” he asked Poppell. He further pointed out that Seth Kenney, an ammunition and weapons supplier for the film, had a cooperative relationship with investigators and was present during the search of the prop truck, opening the safe himself.
Prosecution’s Standpoint
The prosecution, led by special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, defended the investigation’s integrity and focused on Baldwin’s role on set. Morrissey argued that Baldwin’s charges stemmed from his reckless handling of the firearm rather than bringing live rounds onto the set. She emphasized that there was no evidence that Kenney supplied live rounds to the “Rust” set.
Morrissey also addressed the defense’s claims about new ammunition brought to the sheriff’s department after the trial of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer who has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter. She clarified that this ammunition did not match the live rounds found on the set, countering the defense’s suggestion that crucial evidence was buried.
The Ongoing Trial
The trial has brought intense scrutiny and significant emotional weight, given the tragic outcome of the incident. Baldwin, known for his roles in “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live,” faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted. His family, including his wife Hilaria Baldwin and siblings, have shown strong support by attending the trial.
The courtroom dynamics continue to unfold as both sides present their arguments, with the lead detective set to testify further. The trial aims to provide clarity and justice for Hutchins’ untimely death, which sent shockwaves through the film industry and raised urgent questions about on-set safety protocols.
Caption: Alec Baldwin’s lawyer criticizes the investigation into the “Rust” shooting, suggesting a focus on prosecuting Baldwin over finding the source of the live round. #AlecBaldwin #RustShooting #HalynaHutchins #CourtTrial #FilmIndustrySafety
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