In a dramatic turn of events, a New Mexico judge has dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin in the middle of the actor’s trial, declaring that it cannot be refiled.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled to dismiss the case with prejudice, citing police and prosecutorial misconduct for withholding evidence from Baldwin’s defense in the shooting incident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust.”
Upon hearing the judge’s decision, Baldwin, visibly emotional, wept and embraced his two attorneys before turning to hug his wife Hilaria. The actor then exited the Santa Fe courthouse, climbing into an SUV without speaking to the media.
The case's dismissal was based on the late discovery of evidence that the defense argued had been withheld. Judge Sommer stated, “The late discovery of this evidence during trial has impeded the effective use of evidence in such a way that it has impacted the fundamental fairness of the proceedings. If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith it certainly comes so near to bad faith to show signs of scorching.”
Earlier on Friday, Sommer had paused the trial to consider the defense’s motion to dismiss. The defense contended that prosecutors had hidden evidence regarding ammunition that might be related to the 2021 shooting on the “Rust” set, arguing they should have had the opportunity to assess its significance. The prosecution maintained that the ammunition was not connected to the case and was not concealed.
Baldwin, 66, faced a potential sentence of 18 months in prison if convicted. The sudden dismissal brings an unexpected end to a high-profile case that has drawn significant public attention.
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