Rust Prosecutor Dismisses Appeal, Concluding Alec Baldwin Manslaughter Case

The manslaughter proceedings involving Alec Baldwin in connection with the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust”have reached a resolution. This case dates back to October 21, 2021, when Hutchins was fatally shot by a bullet that was fired from Baldwin’s weapon while filming in New Mexico.

Baldwin faced charges of involuntary manslaughter, with the prosecution aiming to demonstrate that the actor acted recklessly and exhibited criminal negligence in discharging the firearm. However, after just three days of trial, the judge dismissed the case owing to the prosecution’s failure to provide a critical cache of bullets to the defense team.

Manslaughter Case Concludes, Civil Litigation Persists

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What to know about "Rust" as the Alec Baldwin movie premieres (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCI2xIIjvII)

Following the dismissal, Prosecutor Karri Morrissey initiated an appeal, arguing that the bullets in question were not central to the prosecution’s case. Nevertheless, the Attorney General’s office indicated that it did not plan to vigorously continue this appeal on behalf of the prosecution. Consequently, Morrissey retracted her appeal and expressed her disappointment in a statement released to Variety, saying, “This has always been about seeking justice for Halyna Hutchins. We regret that Mr. Baldwin will not be held accountable for the role he played in the death of Halyna Hutchins, and as we withdraw the appeal, we do so with the hope that the outstanding lawsuits bring some measure of justice to the family of Halyna Hutchins.”

Alec Baldwin in court, learning about the dismissal of his Rust case due to concealed evidence — Court TV

Baldwin’s attorneys, Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas, celebrated the dismissal as a vindication of their stance, asserting, “Today’s decision to dismiss the appeal is the final vindication of what Alec Baldwin and his attorneys have said from the beginning – this was an unspeakable tragedy but Alec Baldwin committed no crime. The rule of law remains intact in New Mexico.”

According to Variety, Hutchins’ family was consulted prior to the appeal’s withdrawal, an action they opposed, and they continue to pursue a civil lawsuit against both Baldwin and the producers of “Rust”in New Mexico. This civil case remains ongoing as the family seeks justice.

In a notable parallel, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s armorer, was previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter for loading a live round into Baldwin’s firearm and is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence. Despite these legal challenges, “Rust”premiered at the Camerimage festival in November 2024, although a public release date remains unconfirmed.

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