Alec Baldwin Lawsuit Dismissed: New Mexico Prosecutors
Alec Baldwin Sues Prosecutors Over “Rust” Manslaughter Case Dismissal
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Alec Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against the prosecutors involved in his involuntary manslaughter case stemming from the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the film “Rust.” The actor alleges that his constitutional rights where violated through the “improper use of the criminal process,” citing instances where evidence was allegedly withheld from the defense.
BaldwinS legal complaint further contends that prosecutors pursued the case to advance their “personal agendas or professional ambitions.” The suit claims that the prosecution team was “blinded by their desire to convict Alec Baldwin for all the wrong reasons, and at any cost.”
The lawsuit names special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies as defendants. It also includes the 1st Judicial district Attorney’s Office,the Santa Fe County Board of Commissioners,and investigators from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.Baldwin is seeking punitive damages to the maximum extent allowed by law,along with general and/or compensatory damages to be determined at trial for all injuries sustained.He is also requesting attorney’s fees and related legal costs.
Background of the “Rust” Shooting Incident
The tragic incident occurred on October 21, 2021, on the set of the Western film “Rust” in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hutchins, the film’s cinematographer, died after a prop revolver, which Baldwin was positioning for a scene, accidentally discharged. Baldwin, who was also a producer on the film, has consistently denied any duty for Hutchins’ death.
Case Dismissal and Withheld Evidence
Baldwin was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter. Though, the case was dismissed by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer last year. The judge’s decision was based on the finding that the state had failed to disclose crucial evidence to the defense.
Armorer’s Conviction
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer responsible for the weapons on set, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with Hutchins’ death. She was released from prison in May after serving 14 months of her sentence.