On Friday, July 12, 2024, a New Mexico judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin, permanently ending his criminal liability in the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust."
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer's decision came after the defense argued that prosecutors had withheld evidence that could have supported Baldwin's innocence. This evidence, ammunition connected to the case, would have shed light on how live rounds ended up on set. The judge agreed, stating that the late discovery of this evidence had "impeded the effective use of evidence" and compromised the fairness of the proceedings.
The dismissal marks the end of a tumultuous legal journey for Baldwin. In January 2023, he was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter and a firearm enhancement charge, which were dismissed in April of the same year. A grand jury indictment in 2024 led to a new trial, which was abruptly cut short with Friday's dismissal.
Legal expert Emily D. Baker explained to PEOPLE that the dismissal "ends any criminal responsibility for Alec Baldwin" but does not impact pending civil lawsuits. Brian J. Panish, the attorney for Halyna Hutchins' husband Matthew Hutchins, expressed respect for the court's decision and reiterated their commitment to holding Baldwin accountable through civil litigation.
Timeline of Events:
- October 2021: Halyna Hutchins is fatally shot on the set of "Rust."
- January 2023: Baldwin is charged with involuntary manslaughter.
- April 2023: Charges are dismissed.
- 2024: A grand jury indicts Baldwin, leading to a new trial.
- July 12, 2024: The case is dismissed with prejudice.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ