Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Shooting Case Dismissed
Actor Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter case was abruptly dismissed by District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer on Friday.
The judge ruled that prosecutors had withheld crucial evidence, leading to the case being dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled, Albuquerque Journal reports.
Alec Baldwin, visibly emotional, wept as Judge Marlowe Sommer announced her decision in the Santa Fe District Courthouse.
The dismissal came after Baldwin's defense team accused prosecutors of hiding evidence related to live ammunition found by law enforcement.
The trial came to a sudden halt on Friday morning when Baldwin's attorneys demanded the production of live bullets handed over to authorities by a bystander earlier this year.
They argued that this evidence was vital to their defense and had not been disclosed by the prosecution.
Judge Marlowe Sommer dismissed the jury and deliberated on the motion throughout the day, ultimately siding with Baldwin's defense team.
She criticized the prosecution for not disclosing the evidence sooner, stating it impeded the fairness of the trial.
READ NEXT: Judge Rules Alec Baldwin's Role as Co-Producer Irrelevant to 'Rust' Shooting Trial
Family Attorney Vows to Pursue Justice in Civil Case
Attorney Gloria Allred, representing the family of Halyna Hutchins, expressed disappointment following the dismissal of Alec Baldwin's "Rust" shooting charge, according to People.
Speaking outside the courthouse in Santa Fe, Allred reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing justice through the ongoing civil case against Baldwin.
Allred emphasized that dismissing criminal charges does not deter their pursuit of accountability in the civil lawsuit.
She described the decision as devastating for Hutchins' family, particularly those in Ukraine.
She stressed their determination to continue fighting in court.
The civil lawsuit against Baldwin and others involved in the "Rust" production focuses on safety protocols and responsibilities on set.
Allred underscored the importance of upholding workplace safety standards, even in high-profile settings involving celebrities and production crews.
While Baldwin has yet to publicly comment on dismissing the "Rust" shooting case, Allred's statements reflect ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges ahead.
The civil case remains a critical avenue for Halyna Hutchins' family to seek justice and accountability in the aftermath of her tragic death.
Legal and Career Turmoil Surrounding Alec Baldwin
Actor Alec Baldwin, known for roles in "Hunt for Red October" and "30 Rock," faced uncertain career prospects amid legal challenges that could have led to 18 months in prison.
Despite this, he and his wife began a reality show project about their large family in June.
However, Baldwin and other producers continue to grapple with civil lawsuits from the family of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer tragically killed on the set of "Rust."
While Halyna Hutchins' widower settled a lawsuit, tensions arose over this agreement before the trial.
Attorney Brian Panish emphasized their readiness to hold Baldwin accountable for Hutchins' death.
The independent film "Rust," where the incident occurred, remains unreleased and without distribution.
The only conviction related to Hutchins' death was directed at Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film's armorer, who received an 18-month prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter.
Her appeal seeks dismissal, paralleling Baldwin's legal strategy, AP News noted.
The trial, abruptly halted, saw prosecutors' setbacks, including a prosecutor's resignation following evidence issues.
Baldwin's defense highlighted procedural lapses, influencing the trial's direction early on despite ongoing media attention and courtroom drama.
READ MORE: Josh Klinghoffer, Guitarist of Pearl Jam and Red-Hot Chili Peppers, Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Ross Key
WATCH: See moment judge throws out case against Alec Baldwin - From CNN
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!