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Published 17:44 IST, September 7th 2024

Alec Baldwin's Rust Shooting Case: Judge Denies Prosecutor’s Move To Reopen Case

In 2021, during the shooting of Rust, Halyna Hutchins died after Alec Baldwin accidentally fired a prop gun that was loaded with live ammunition.

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Alec Baldwin's Shooting trial
Alec Baldwin's Shooting trial | Image: AP

Alec Baldwin Rust Manslaughter Case: The actor faced charges of involuntary manslaughter for an incident that took place on the sets of Rust, three years ago. However, his case was dismissed by a judge based on the misconduct of police and prosecutors over the withholding of evidence from the defence, in July. But looks like the threat of facing trial in the court is evident.

Alec Baldwin’s to face trial again for Rust shooting case?

According to several reports, special prosecutor Kari Morissey has filed motions to reconsider the dismissal of the manslaughter the case with the hopes of continuing to pursue charges against the 30 Rock star after they were thrown out last month by State District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer over allegations of prejudice.

Alec Baldwin's retrial | Source: Instagaram

The prosecutor has moreover insisted Alec Baldwin’s lawyers were engaged in getting the case tossed on false pretense. However, the judge in the Rust cases has denied the prosecutor's bid to consider the state’s motion because it exceeds the 10-page limit. However, on Friday, Kari Morrissey, the special prosecutor on the case stated she had already submitted a 10-page version in responce to the judge.

About Alec Baldwin’s trial 

The fatal incident occurred during a rehearsal for the film Rust at a New Mexico church set, where Baldwin inadvertently discharged a loaded revolver he was assured was unloaded. The incident resulted in the death of Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza, sparking widespread scrutiny over safety protocols on film sets.

Alec Baldwin faces retrial threat of Rust shooting  | Source: IMDB

On January 31, 2023, the Santa Fe district attorney charged Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed with one count each of involuntary manslaughter.

Gutierrez-Reed was then remanded into police custody and sentenced to 18 months in prison on April 15, 2024. After several trials an Alec Baldwin’s charges were dismissed in July 2024.

Judge Marlowe Sommer underscored the impact of procedural errors on the fairness of the trial, stating unequivocally, "The late discovery of this evidence has compromised the fundamental fairness of these proceedings. There is no remedy but to dismiss the charges." 

Updated 17:44 IST, September 7th 2024