A New Mexico judge has dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought back to court. This decision is final and prevents the prosecution from pursuing the same charges against Mr. Baldwin again.
The dismissal on Friday was due to the prosecution’s failure to provide the defense with crucial evidence, which violated Mr. Baldwin’s right to a fair trial, the judge said. Mr.
Baldwin was on trial for the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of his Western film, “Rust.” “The dismissal with prejudice is warranted to ensure the integrity of the judicial system,” stated Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, referencing the prosecution’s conduct. Mr Baldwin wept as the judge read the court’s decision.
After embracing his legal team and his wife, Mr. Baldwin left the courthouse without making a statement to the press. Earlier in the day, Judge Sommer had excused the jurors for the weekend after Mr.
Baldwin’s attorneys submitted a motion to dismiss the case. She then held a hearing to address the defense’s allegations. Mr.
Baldwin’s defense team argued that the prosecution had failed to disclose ammunition in its possession. Prosecutors contended that the ammunition was unrelated to the case. On the second day of the trial, during cross-examination by the defense, Mr.
Baldwin’s attorney Alex Spiro inquired of Marissa Poppell, the sheriff’s crime scene technician, if a �.
