In a significant development, a New Mexico judge has dismissed the criminal involuntary manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin. The decision came on the third day of the trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, related to the October 2021 accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Baldwin’s film “Rust.” The dismissal was prompted by the ruling that prosecutors improperly withheld evidence about live ammunition from Baldwin’s defense team.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer’s ruling means Baldwin cannot face retrial for the incident. She emphasized that dismissal was the only suitable remedy for the prosecution’s misconduct, stating, “There is no way for the court to right this wrong.” The decision led to an emotional moment in court as Baldwin wept and embraced his wife, Hilaria.
The legal team for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer who was already convicted of involuntary manslaughter and serving an 18-month sentence, has announced plans to seek her immediate release, citing the prosecution’s misconduct. Her attorney, Jason Bowels, characterized the prosecution’s behavior as “absolutely shocking.”
Earlier in the day, Judge Sommer had sent the jury home for the weekend to consider a motion from Baldwin’s attorneys to dismiss the case. The defense highlighted that the state had not disclosed potentially exonerating ammunition evidence. The prosecution claimed the ammo was not related to the case, but Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas, insisted it was disclosable.
Matthew Hutchins’ lawyer, Brian Parrish, responded to the dismissal by acknowledging the court’s decision. This conclusion to Baldwin’s legal battle arrives 16 months after the initial charges were dropped and subsequently refiled. Baldwin, who had faced a potential 18-month prison sentence, has consistently denied pulling the trigger, maintaining he was informed the gun was safe.
The dismissal underscores significant procedural issues while marking a poignant moment in a high-profile case that has drawn considerable public and media attention.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/12/alec-baldwin-rust-manslaughter-case-dismissed-by-judge.html
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