A New Mexico judge abruptly ended the involuntary manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin, dismissing it in the middle of the trial, stating it cannot be refiled.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer cited police and prosecutorial misconduct, specifically the withholding of evidence from Baldwin's defense, as the basis for dismissal
The case stemmed from the 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust,” where Baldwin was handling a revolver that discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Baldwin reacted emotionally in court, crying and hugging his two attorneys before turning to embrace his wife Hilaria, who was also in tears. They held the embrace for 12 seconds.
After the dismissal, Baldwin left the Santa Fe courthouse in an SUV without speaking to the media.
Judge Marlowe Sommer highlighted that the late discovery of evidence during the trial impeded its effective use, impacting the fundamental fairness of the proceedings. She suggested the conduct bordered on bad faith.
The dismissal ends Baldwin's criminal culpability in the case, concluding a nearly three-year ordeal that had put his career at risk.
If convicted, the 66-year-old Baldwin, known for his roles in “Hunt for Red October” and “30 Rock,” could have faced 18 months in prison.
The case had cast doubt on Baldwin's career, as he has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over three decades.