Alec Baldwin's motion to dismiss manslaughter charge denied, trial set for July

Court denies Baldwin's plea to drop manslaughter charge in 'Rust' case.

Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charge related to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the "Rust" film set has been denied, setting the stage for a trial this summer. 

This decision was confirmed by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer in New Mexico on Friday, as reported by the Associated Press.

In a recent court ruling, Judge Sommer rejected all of Baldwin's legal arguments for dismissal, thereby maintaining the indictment against the actor. 

Baldwin, aged 66, will now likely face a jury trial in July. 

This development follows a January indictment by a grand jury, after an initial manslaughter charge was previously dropped. Baldwin has entered a plea of not guilty.

The tragic incident, which occurred on October 21, 2021, resulted in the death of Hutchins and also wounded director Joel Souza during the production of the Western-themed movie. 

At the time of the incident, Baldwin, who was also a producer on the film, was informed that the gun he held was "cold," indicating it was supposed to be free of live ammunition. 

Baldwin has consistently stated that he did not pull the trigger of the weapon.

Reacting to the judge’s decision, Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, expressed their anticipation for the courtroom battle, telling Entertainment Weekly, "We look forward to our day in court." 

Meanwhile, the special prosecutors, Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis, have not yet commented on the matter.