Prosecutor challenges dismissal of Alec Baldwin's manslaughter case, blames judge and defence

The "Rust" shooting case continues to be a difficult legal battle, with both sides firm in their positions.

Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey isn't taking the dismissal of Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter charges lying down. In a scathing response filed on July 31st, Morrissey accused Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer of misunderstanding key evidence and harboring a pre-determined intent to dismiss the case. She further alleges that the defense, led by attorney Jason Bowles, is manipulating the situation to exploit a legal loophole and potentially secure the release of convicted armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.

Morrissey's filing specifically targets the unexpected appearance of Colt .45 rounds from ex-Arizona cop Troy Teske, a friend of Gutierrez-Reed's father. These bullets, which surfaced after the trial had begun, were deemed suppressed evidence and led to the dismissal of charges against Baldwin. Morrissey contends that the defense's comparison of this situation to the circumstances surrounding Gutierrez-Reed's conviction is a disingenuous attempt to conflate two distinct scenarios. She argues that the state's possession of the Teske ammunition in Baldwin's case differentiates it significantly from Gutierrez-Reed's, where the state was not aware of the bullets prior to the trial.   

The special prosecutor's filing paints a picture of a chaotic legal battle marked by accusations of misconduct, misinterpretations of evidence, and attempts to manipulate the judicial process. While Bowles has declined to comment on Morrissey's claims, it is expected that the defense will soon respond with their own filing.

The central issue at the heart of this dispute is whether the dismissal of Baldwin's case was justified due to the suppressed evidence, and if so, whether this sets a precedent for Gutierrez-Reed's potential release. Morrissey's filing vehemently argues against this, asserting that the judge's decision was based on a misunderstanding of the facts and that the defense is attempting to exploit the situation for their own gain.

The "Rust" shooting case continues to be a complex and contentious legal battle, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of both Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed hangs in the balance, with the final decision resting in the hands of Judge Sommer.