Alec Baldwin Lawsuit Dismissed: Key Details
Alec Baldwin’s Malicious Prosecution lawsuit Dismissed by New Mexico Judge
Table of Contents
A New Mexico judge has dismissed actor-producer Alec Baldwin’s lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution, a year after he was cleared of a criminal charge in the fatal “Rust” shooting. The dismissal cites a lack of activity in the case, leaving the legal saga surrounding the on-set tragedy in its final stages.
Lawsuit Alleged Overzealous Prosecution
Baldwin filed the lawsuit in January, claiming he was a victim of overzealous New Mexico prosecutors and law enforcement, becoming a celebrity scapegoat for the accidental on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.The suit was filed six months after a judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against him.
The lawsuit targeted special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey, 1st Judicial Dist. Atty.Mary Carmack-Altwies, Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies, and Santa Fe County Commissioners. Baldwin’s legal team alleged that the defendants were “blinded by their desire to convict Alec Baldwin for all the wrong reasons, and at any cost.”
Judge Cites Lack of Case Activity
On Tuesday, Third Judicial Dist. Judge Casey B. Fitch dismissed Baldwin’s claims against the state, noting that it had been six months since any “significant action” had been filed in the case.Judge Fitch gave the involved lawyers 30 days to file a motion to keep the lawsuit moving.
“Rust” Shooting Saga Nears Conclusion
The dismissal of Baldwin’s lawsuit comes as legal proceedings in the “Rust” shooting incident are winding down. In May,weapons handler Hannah Gutierrez was released from prison after serving 14 months for her felony conviction of involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins’ October 2021 death on the New Mexico film set.
Baldwin’s criminal case was dismissed a year ago by former first Judicial District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, who had been presiding over his trial.The dismissal occurred on what was supposed to be the third day of the actor’s high-profile trial.
Misconduct Allegations Lead to Original Charge Dismissal
Baldwin’s defense attorneys had raised serious questions about how New Mexico law enforcement officers and prosecutors handled evidence during their prosecution. They accused the state of misconduct, specifically pointing to a batch of unexamined bullets that a potential witness had turned over to sheriff’s investigators in March 2024. Judge Marlowe Sommer, who has as retired, expressed significant frustration over the handling of this evidence, which was not provided to the defense, ultimately leading to the dismissal of the single charge against Baldwin.
When Baldwin’s suit was filed earlier this year, special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey stated that prosecutors had been aware of Baldwin’s plans to sue New Mexico and expressed anticipation for their day in court.