Photo of Alec Baldwin is by Gage Skidmore and was taken in 2016.
Wherein the charge of Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter is examined along with the actor’s natal horoscope to determine whether or not the legal pyrotechnics might ultimately result in a verdict of guilty. The views expressed in the article are the opinion of the writer and have no legal authority.
Part I: Alec and the Calamity
Facts: While Rust, a Western film was being made, a prop pistol discharged a live round and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Alec Baldwin said the pistol accidentally fired. He states he did not pull the trigger. Expert analysis of the prop stated that could not have been so.
“The responsibility for the use of guns and other weapons lies with each production and property master or armory expert. They secure the weapons when they are not being used and instruct actors on their proper and safe use. They also load the firearms and check them before and after each scene.” (BBC News, October 25, 2021)
Issue: Is Alec Baldwin Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter?
Rule of Law: Involuntary manslaughter consists of manslaughter* committed in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to [a] felony, or in the commission of a lawful act which might produce death in an unlawful manner or without due caution and circumspection. [New Mexico Statute 30-2-3 (2021)] (Justia US Law)
*The unlawful killing of a human being without malice.
Application of the Law to the Facts
Did Baldwin commit an unlawful but not felonious act? Alec pointed and discharged a prop pistol in the direction of another not knowing the round was live. The prosecution will argue the pistol should not have been pointed at anyone. A prop pistol is not intended to be a real weapon. It looks real to give a member of an audience a feeling of authenticity. The commission of that act in and of itself cannot be said to be unlawful let alone rise to the level of a felony.
- Did Mr. Baldwin commit a lawful act which produced death in an unlawful manner or without due caution or circumspection? The firing of a prop gun on a movie set is a lawful act. However, the round should have been a blank.
- Can the insertion of a live round be attributed to Alec? No, the armory expert is responsible for loading the prop gun.
- Did Baldwin exercise due caution and circumspection? Prop guns are going to be pointed at people in the making of movies. Movies are play acting. Westerns inevitably involve gun play and shootouts. Baldwin exercised proper care.
Involuntary manslaughter requires criminal negligence, gross negligence. That is not the case here. If Baldwin was negligent, and I do not think he was, it would amount to simple negligence.
Conclusion
Baldwin acted with the reasonable expectation that the prop firearm contained a blank. He is not guilty.
Part II: Alec Baldwin’s horoscope
Date of Birth: April 3, 1958, Amityville, NY, Rodden Rating X
Alec, an Aries, has the Moon in Libra. Though the time of birth is unknown, more probably than not, the Moon opposes the Sun. This indicates a conflict between the conscious will and the unconscious feelings. (Sakoian &Acker, The Astrologer’s Handbook, p. 416) Libra is one of two signs associated with legal matters.
Venus in Aquarius is trine Jupiter in Libra. “This indicates a happy, optimistic sociable disposition.” Ibid, 397. Baldwin will make a good impression on the jury. The Jupiter placement may provide some luck in his forthcoming trial because the planet represents good fortune.
In my opinion, most people will tell lies to keep themselves out of trouble. I think the jury will overlook Baldwin’s probable untruth.
Aries is a sign known for being candid and direct. Alec’s Mercury is trine Saturn. I believe it can be said with some certainty that he is for the most part quite honest and forthright. The trine will help him keep everything together through logical analysis.
There are no Saturn squares or oppositions in Alec’s chart. Those could have represented restrictions or confinement. Baldwin will probably not be visiting the Crossbar Motel.
Uranus is heavily aspected. It is square Mercury and Neptune. The Mercury square indicates talent undermined by brusqueness. The Neptune square can mean nervousness and willfulness. It is a generational aspect. Baldwin may at times be high strung. (Ibid, p. 380) Alec’s Uranus is also trine his Sun. This indicates farsightedness. The planetary relationship is good for those in leadership positions.
Mars rules firearms. In Baldwin’s chart it is trine the Moon and opposition to Uranus. The former will make him energetic and assertive, and he will want his own way. The latter can mean destructive or scatterbrained tendencies. (Ronald C. Davison, Astrology, p. 117) It could foretell an unexpected accident with a gun.
Weighing all the facts in the balance, I think the jury will find Alec Baldwin not guilty.