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From NBC News: SANTE FE, New Mexico — In a stunning turn of events, the judge in Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial dismissed the case Friday, siding with defense attorneys who argued that prosecutors hid evidence about ammunition that may be linked to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie “Rust” in 2021.
“The sanction of dismissal is the only warranted remedy” in the case, said First Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer.
Baldwin, 66, sobbed and put his face in his hands as Sommer announced her decision.
Baldwin could have been sentenced to up to 18 months in prison if the jurors had unanimously agreed he committed the felony.
Baldwin had pleaded not guilty after being charged in the accidental shooting death of Hutchins, 42, on Oct. 21, 2021, saying he was unaware that the revolver contained a live round when he pointed the gun at Hutchins while acting out his role during the filming of the movie.
The judge reportedly dismissed the case with prejudice, which means the case cannot be brought up again.
NBC News explained:
Baldwin’s lawyers asserted that the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office took possession of live rounds of ammunition as evidence but did not record them in the official case file or reveal their existence to the actor’s defense team.
A judge dismissed the case against Alec Baldwin with prejudice Friday. Baldwin was facing involuntary manslaughter for the death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the movie’s set in 2022.
More: https://t.co/hzhiu8R7Zi pic.twitter.com/qOt4WisXFG— NewsNation (@NewsNation) July 12, 2024
Baldwin was seen breaking into tears when the judge announced that the case was dismissed.
#BREAKING – IT’S OVER! 💯⚖️ The defense motion to dismiss is granted based on the State’s failure to disclose the evidence of the live rounds they received. #AlecBaldwin is a free man! He can’t be tried again! @CourtTV pic.twitter.com/p7mb4wj5x2
— Julie Grant (@JulieCourtTV) July 12, 2024
REACTIONS:
Alec Baldwin shot a woman dead and gets to walk away at the same time they’re trying to put Trump in prison for a hundred years because they don’t like how he does paperwork. https://t.co/qFVD0HAbvG
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) July 12, 2024
I’m not a fan of Alec Baldwin‘s politics, but this case against him is total bullshit and it needs to be dismissed immediately. His role was to act not to prepare the props!
— Thomas Ravenel (@Thomasravenel) July 12, 2024
BREAKING: Judge in Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial dismisses case. He broke down sobbing upon the ruling. I agree with this ruling- it was a horrible, tragic accident and I believe the right person is behind bars. #alecbaldwin #HalynaHutchins…
— Lauren Conlin (@conlin_lauren) July 12, 2024
BREAKING: Judge dismisses Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial after prosecutors are accused of hiding new evidence in the ‘Rust’ shooting. https://t.co/Qej5UNevbY
— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 12, 2024
