SANTA FE, N.M. — Alec Baldwin ‘s manslaughter case has been dismissed, after the judge blasted prosecutors for failing to turn over a batch of bullets to the defense.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer threw out the case, ruling that no other sanction was sufficient. “The state is highly culpable for its failure to provide discovery to the defendant,” Marlowe Sommer said. “Dismissal with prejudice is warranted.
” Gasps were heard the courtroom, as Baldwin received hugs and congratulations from his family and supporters. He and his wife, Hilaria, exited the courthouse and entered a black GMC Suburban. They did not address the throngs of media outside.
The defense argued that prosecutors deliberately hid bullets that were turned over to investigators in March, and which are relevant to the case. Erlinda Johnson, one of two special prosecutors, resigned from the case on Friday amid turmoil over the evidence. Baldwin was on trial for shooting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “ Rust ” in 2021.
The jury was scheduled to hear testimony on Friday from the lead detective. But the judge sent the jury home on Friday morning so she could delve more deeply into the failure to turn over the bullets. In an afternoon hearing, Marlowe Sommer pointedly asked Cpl.
Alexandria Hancock about why the bullets were logged under a separate case number, putting them out of reach of the defense. “Why was that determination made?” Marlowe Sommer asked. “Who made it?” Hancock an.
