Alec Baldwin Seeks Dismissal of Charges in “Rust” Shooting Case
Allegations of Misconduct
Alec Baldwin has appealed to a New Mexico judge to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charges against him in connection with the tragic "Rust" movie shooting. His legal team has cited alleged misconduct by the prosecutors handling the case as the basis for their request.
In January, a grand jury in Santa Fe County indicted Baldwin on two counts of involuntary manslaughter following the accidental death of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the movie set in October 2021. The 65-year-old actor could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
The indictment in January charged #AlexBaldwin with involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021, at a movie ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe#Rust https://t.co/X3EdaFT9fo
— The Telegraph (@ttindia) March 15, 2024
Source: Twitter/The Telegraph
Motion to Dismiss
On Wednesday, Alec Baldwin's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the indictment, presenting a 52-page document outlining a series of alleged errors that they claim violated Baldwin's right to a fair trial. The trial is scheduled to commence on July 10 in a Santa Fe courtroom.
Baldwin's lead attorney, Luke Nikas, accused special prosecutors Kari T. Morrissey and Jason J. Lewis of orchestrating a "sham" grand jury session earlier this year. The closed-door hearing occurred on January 18, just one day before the grand jury's term ended.
According to Alec Baldwin's legal team, the prosecutors called only seven witnesses during the session, with just one having witnessed the shooting incident. They also allege that evidence favorable to Baldwin was not presented to the grand jury.
Previous Blunders and Missteps
These latest allegations follow a series of notable missteps last year by the previous set of prosecutors. This included initially charging Baldwin with a criminal offense that was not applicable in New Mexico at the time of the shooting. After the first two prosecutors resigned, Morrissey and Lewis assumed control of the case nearly a year ago.
Baldwin's legal team stated in the motion to dismiss that "State prosecutors have engaged in this misconduct and publicly dragged Baldwin through the cesspool created by their improprieties without any regard for the fact that serious criminal charges have been hanging over his head for two and a half years."
Response from Prosecutors
Morrissey declined to comment on the matter.
Earlier this month, Morrissey and Lewis secured a conviction against the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins' death. Gutierrez was taken into custody immediately after the verdict, and her sentencing is scheduled for April 15.
Allegations Against Baldwin
During Gutierrez's trial, prosecutors introduced evidence suggesting Baldwin may share responsibility for the tragedy due to alleged carelessness in handling his prop gun. They showed behind-the-scenes footage from the set, including a video from days before the shooting, where Baldwin was seen hurriedly instructing crew members to reload his gun.
In her closing statement during Gutierrez's trial, Morrissey emphasized to jurors that Baldwin should also be held accountable for his actions.
Safety Concerns on Set
The tragic incident on the "Rust" set brought renewed attention to safety concerns among Hollywood film crews. Prior to the shooting, members of the camera crew had staged a walkout citing safety issues such as accidental gun discharges and a lack of nearby accommodations. Alec Baldwin served as one of the film's producers.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred during a rehearsal scene where Baldwin was portraying the character Harland Rust. Despite being told the gun was unloaded, it actually contained five dummy rounds and one live bullet. Alec Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger, but the gun discharged, fatally striking Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Legal Proceedings
Baldwin was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in January 2023, along with a "firearm enhancement" charge carrying a mandatory five-year prison term. However, this law was enacted in New Mexico only after the shooting occurred. The charges were later dismissed, but the prosecutors retained the option to refile them.
Persistent doubts about the gun's condition during the shooting present a challenge for prosecutors. Alec Baldwin's defense suggests the prop gun was defective, potentially leading to the accidental discharge.
Conclusion
The case surrounding the "Rust" movie shooting continues to unfold, with Alec Baldwin's legal team seeking the dismissal of charges amid allegations of prosecutorial misconduct.
As legal proceedings progress, the tragic incident has sparked discussions about safety protocols on film sets and raised questions about accountability in the entertainment industry.
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