A New Mexico judge has denied Alec Baldwin’s request to dismiss the only criminal charge against him in a fatal shooting on the “Rust” movie set, ensuring that the case will proceed to trial this summer.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer upheld the indictment against Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. The judge rejected defense claims that prosecutors violated grand jury rules to divert attention from evidence supporting Baldwin’s innocence.
Special prosecutors have refuted Baldwin’s allegations of misconduct, stating that he attempted to avoid responsibility by providing conflicting statements to law enforcement, workplace safety regulators, and in a televised interview.
The ruling paves the way for Baldwin’s trial in July, removing one of the final obstacles for prosecutors.
During a rehearsal on the film set, Baldwin pointed a gun at Hutchins, resulting in the fatal shooting. Baldwin contends that he pulled the gun’s hammer, not the trigger.
Baldwin pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 1.5 years in prison. Defense attorneys have not responded to requests for comment.
Marlowe Sommer dismissed claims of bad faith by prosecutors after reviewing grand jury transcripts, stating that prosecutors are not obligated to present exculpatory evidence.
The judge noted that even though some questions were deferred to an expert witness, the grand jury could independently decide on charging Baldwin.
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Arguments in court last week regarding the motion to dismiss lasted over two hours, with Baldwin’s defense team accusing prosecutors of limiting grand jurors’ questions and failing to engage with defense witnesses. Grand jury records are not publicly accessible.
Lead prosecutor Kari Morrissey ensured that jurors received answers from relevant witnesses and had access to evidence provided by the defense. Baldwin did not attend the hearing.
Last year, prosecutors dropped a previous involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin due to concerns about the gun used in the shooting. A new analysis of the gun led to the reinstatement of the charge.
Following Gutierrez-Reed’s conviction for involuntary manslaughter, prosecutors have focused on Baldwin, whose trial is anticipated to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Hutchins’ death.
Baldwin’s role as a co-producer and lead actor in “Rust” was scrutinized during Gutierrez-Reed’s trial, where video evidence was discussed for insights into firearm safety lapses.
Prosecutors alleged that Gutierrez-Reed unintentionally brought live ammunition to the set, violating safety protocols.
