Stephen Baldwin shows support for brother Alec Baldwin as Rust trial begins

Stephen Baldwin has traveled to New Mexico to stand by his brother Alec Baldwin during his criminal trial.

On July 10, Stephen, 58, was seen alongside Alec’s wife, Hilaria Baldwin, at the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe as Alec’s involuntary manslaughter trial commenced. The charges relate to the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of the Western movie Rust in 2021. 

Also present in the courthouse was their sister Elizabeth, 69.

The courtroom attendees included Stephen and Hilaria, 40, who sat among others in a row behind Alec, 66. 

The trial opened with statements from both Alec’s defense team and the prosecution. Hilaria, who has been married to Alec since 2012 and shares seven children with him, was also in attendance with two of their children for jury selection on July 9.

Stephen Baldwin, known for his roles in The Usual Suspects and Born on the Fourth of July, is the youngest of Alec’s three brothers. The Baldwin family includes brothers Daniel, 63, and Billy, 61, along with two sisters, Elizabeth and Jane, 59.

A source recently informed PEOPLE that Alec, though initially intending to face the trial alone, will have the support of his family throughout the proceedings. Alec could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted.

"Alec wants to put on a brave face and go to the trial alone, but his family will be present to support him," the source stated.

Alec’s criminal trial follows his not guilty plea in January, soon after a grand jury indicted him on the involuntary manslaughter charge. 

The actor is reportedly "stressed" and "understandably worried" about the trial, particularly after Rust’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison in April.

"He has an excellent legal team," the source said. "I don't

think anyone is thinking jail time, but given the decision for Ms. Gutierrez-Reed it’s hard to know."

Since the October 2021 incident, Alec has maintained that he did not pull the trigger of the prop gun when it discharged, leading to Hutchins' death and injuring director Joel Souza. Alec has also claimed he was unaware the gun contained live ammunition.