The manslaughter case involving Alec Baldwin has been concluded. Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey has decided to withdraw her appeal of a judge’s order dismissing the case. Baldwin was accused of involuntary manslaughter in the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of “Rust” in October 2021. The prosecution argued that Baldwin was reckless and criminally negligent when he fired a Colt .45 on set. However, the case was dismissed by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer due to key evidence, a cache of bullets, not being turned over to the defense by the prosecution. Baldwin’s lawyers claimed that the evidence was deliberately withheld and could have been beneficial to his defense.
Despite Morrissey’s appeal last month, the New Mexico attorney general’s office did not intend to aggressively pursue the case at the Court of Appeals. Baldwin’s legal team praised the decision to withdraw the appeal, asserting Baldwin’s innocence and emphasizing that no crime was committed. The family of Halyna Hutchins expressed their disappointment at the decision and will continue to seek justice through a civil case against Baldwin and the film’s producers.
Prosecutor Morrissey, who successfully prosecuted the film armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed for loading a live bullet into Baldwin’s gun, stated that the dismissal of criminal charges against Baldwin has sparked a debate about accountability in the Rust incident, where a talented cinematographer tragically lost her life.
“Director Joel Souza was injured,” stated Carmack-Altwies. “Halyna’s tragic passing has sparked a thorough examination of safety measures within the industry, particularly in New Mexico, focusing on the handling of firearms and live ammunition on film sets. To honor her memory and promote safer practices, Halyna’s family established the Halyna Hutchins Foundation, emphasizing safety education and recognizing her as a gifted filmmaker.”
Carmack-Altwies further added, “Despite its reservations about the Court’s ruling, the FJDA remains resolute in its commitment to justice. There is still unfinished business in the criminal justice system, and our office will persist in prosecuting cases with honesty, impartiality, and a dedication to upholding the law.”
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