Santa Fe Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer has dismissed actor Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case, per npr.org. Baldwin’s attorneys had filed a last-minute motion arguing that they were not given the opportunity to examine potential key evidence: a collection of ammunition submitted around the time film armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was on trial for involuntary manslaughter.
The ammunition, which is central to Baldwin’s case, raised questions about how live rounds ended up on the set of “Rust.” Baldwin had been rehearsing a scene in October 2021 when the firearm discharged, tragically killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Judge Sommer agreed with Baldwin’s defence that the prosecution’s failure to disclose the details about the additional ammunition warranted a dismissal. The case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.
“There is no way for the court to right this wrong,” Sommer stated. Baldwin and his family, visibly emotional, reacted with tears upon hearing the ruling.
This evidence was initially submitted by Troy Teske, a friend of Gutierrez-Reed’s father. Prosecutor Kari Morrissey, who believed the ammunition was unrelated to Baldwin’s trial, testified that it was filed under a different case number. However, Baldwin’s legal team viewed this as a cover-up, arguing that crucial evidence was withheld.
Judge Sommer found the prosecution’s actions highly culpable. Earlier on Friday, the jury was dismissed as the judge deliberated on the case’s future. Baldwin had faced up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
The dismissal comes after earlier charges against Baldwin were downgraded and later dropped. Gutierrez-Reed is currently serving an 18-month sentence for her role in the incident. The case has reignited debates about the use of real firearms on movie sets and broader on-set safety issues.
- Featured image: Alec Baldwin hugs his attorney Alex Spiro/Ramsay de Give/AP
