Nearly three years after the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust," Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin is set to face trial for felony involuntary manslaughter. The trial, taking place in a New Mexico courtroom, marks Baldwin's first appearance since the fateful shooting on October 21, 2021.

During a rehearsal in a small church at Bonanza Creek Ranch, Baldwin, who was both the star and co-producer of the Western movie, pointed a revolver at Hutchins. In a horrifying turn of events, the gun discharged, fatally shooting Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin maintains that he pulled back the hammer but did not pull the trigger.

Two crucial themes will be at the forefront of the trial: the chaotic atmosphere on the movie set and the details surrounding the Italian-made classic revolver that was involved in the incident. The source of the live rounds that caused Hutchins' death has never been officially confirmed. At the previous trial of "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, prosecutors alleged that she was responsible. Gutierrez-Reed was subsequently convicted of involuntary manslaughter and received the same 18-month prison sentence that Baldwin now faces.

Prosecutors have two potential avenues to prove the charge against Baldwin. Firstly, they can argue that he negligently used the firearm. Alternatively, they can seek to establish beyond reasonable doubt that Baldwin acted with total disregard or indifference for the safety of others.

The trial, taking place at the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico, just 20 miles northeast of the movie set, is expected to last nine days under the oversight of Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, with opening statements expected on Wednesday. The trial is projected to conclude the following Friday. Once the case is handed over to the jury, they can deliberate for as long as necessary.

Throughout the trial, the 12 citizens of Santa Fe County serving as jurors will be tasked with reaching a single verdict - guilty or not guilty - on a single count of felony involuntary manslaughter. As legal and technical complexities abound, Judge Marlowe Sommer has vowed to maintain order and adhere to the schedule.

As proceedings get underway, all eyes are on the trial's outcome and the potential impact it may have on the entertainment industry's practices and safety protocols moving forward. The trial will determine the accountability for the tragic loss of a talented cinematographer and the consequences for those involved.