Judge Dismisses Criminal Case Against Alec Baldwin in "Rust" Shooting

A New Mexico judge has dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin, related to the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust." The ruling, made on the third day of Baldwin's trial, was based on the prosecution's failure to disclose evidence regarding live ammunition that could have been pertinent to the defense. The dismissal was with prejudice, meaning Baldwin cannot be retried on the charge. Emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom as Baldwin wept upon hearing the judge's decision, later embracing his wife, Hilaria. The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly due to the tragic circumstances surrounding Hutchins' death. Meanwhile, a defense attorney for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film's armorer, announced intentions to seek her release from prison, where she is serving an 18-month sentence for her role in the incident. The judge's decision followed a hearing that highlighted the prosecution's failure to disclose critical evidence, specifically ammunition that had been in their possession. Prosecutors contended that the ammunition was unrelated to the case, but the defense argued otherwise. Erlinda Johnson Ocampo, a special prosecutor on the case, resigned after discovering the undisclosed evidence, emphasizing the obligation of prosecutors to provide all relevant information to the defense. Baldwin has consistently maintained that he did not pull the trigger of the weapon and was assured that the gun was not capable of firing when it was handed to him.