Charges Dismissed in Baldwin 'Rust' Case

A New Mexico judge has dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin in the 'Rust' trial, citing prosecutorial misconduct for withholding critical evidence about on-set ammunition. The ruling, made by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, concluded that the late discovery of this evidence impacted the fairness of the proceedings, warranting a dismissal with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be re-filed. Baldwin, who was rehearsing with a prop gun that discharged a live round killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021, was seen in tears as he embraced his wife and attorneys following the decision. The defense argued that law enforcement failed to disclose live rounds as evidence, which were linked to the movie’s prop supplier. Baldwin's attorneys accused prosecutors of hiding bullets that were significant to the case, while the prosecution contended the ammunition was unrelated. The sudden dismissal brought an unexpected end to what could have resulted in an 18-month prison sentence for Baldwin if convicted.