Jury Begins Deliberations in Alec Baldwin Battery Case

Jurors in the Alec Baldwin battery trial must decide whether they believe the movie star or a “stalkerazzi” photographer whom Baldwin punched, a defense attorney said Thursday.

“This is a case that comes down to credibility. It comes down to credibility between Mr. Baldwin and Alan Zanger,” attorney Charles English said in his closing arguments. His hand on his client’s shoulder, English asked: “Do you believe upon a reasonable doubt that this man is a liar?”

After English’s remarks, the Van Nuys Municipal Court jury began deliberating in the case. No verdict was reached by the end of the day and deliberations resume today.

Baldwin is charged with one misdemeanor count of battery for allegedly breaking Zanger’s nose when the self-described celebrity stakeout specialist tried to videotape the homecoming of Baldwin’s wife, actress Kim Basinger, and their newborn daughter.

Zanger said the attack was unprovoked. But Baldwin testified that he acted in self-defense.