‘Rust’ Special Prosecutors Formally Dismiss Charges Against Alec Baldwin
By Kristin Myers on April 21, 2023 at 3:31 PM EDT
Updated on April 21, 2023 at 3:39 PM EDT
On Friday afternoon, "Rust" special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis officially dropped the two counts of involuntary manslaughter Alec Baldwin was facing for the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021.
"Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is still facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter and the charges against her have not been dismissed, as clarified by the two prosecutors on Thursday night.
'Rust' Prosecutors Officially Dimiss Alec Baldwin's Involuntary Manslaughter Charges For 2021 Fatal Shooting Of Halyna Hutchins
On April 21, at 12:17 PM, the State of New Mexico officially dismissed the charges against Alexander Rae Baldwin III in the 1st Judicial District Court of Santa Fe County. The official document reads:
“COMES NOW the State of New Mexico, by and through special prosecutors Kari T.
Morrissey and Jason J. Lewis, and enters a nolle prosequi in the above-numbered and styled cause, as new facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis which cannot be completed before the May 3, 2023, preliminary hearing. The case is dismissed without prejudice and the investigation is active and on-going.”
However, the "30 Rock" actor is not in the free and clear just yet. The charges were dismissed without prejudice, which means that Baldwin could potentially face charges in the future as they investigate the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Prosecutors Dismiss Charges Without Prejudice Pending Further Investigation
On Thursday night, they released a statement explaining that they could not prosecute Baldwin given the time constraints of the May 3 deadline. The statement (via Deadline) from the two "Rust" prosecutors reads:
“Over the last few days and in preparation for the May 3, 2023, preliminary hearing, new facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis in the case against Alexander 'Alec' Rae Baldwin, III. Consequently, we cannot proceed under the current time constraints and on the facts and evidence turned over by law enforcement in its existing form. We therefore will be dismissing the involuntary manslaughter charges against Mr. Baldwin to conduct further investigation. This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled. Our follow-up investigation will remain active and on-going.”
They also clarified that the charges have not been dropped against "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, saying, “Charges against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed remain unchanged.”
Baldwin's Attorneys Are 'Pleased' That The Case Against Baldwin Has Been Dismissed
In a statement, Baldwin's attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said, “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin, and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident.”
Lawyers for Gutierrez-Reed, Jason Bowles and Todd Bullion, said, “The new special prosecutor team has taken a very diligent and thorough approach to the entire investigation, which we welcome and have always welcomed.”
“They are seeking the truth and we are also. The truth about what happened will come out and the questions that we have long sought answers for will be answered," they continued. "We fully expect at the end of this process that Hannah will also be exonerated.”
In February, both Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed pled not guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the October 2021 shooting of Halyna Hutchins. A month prior, first assistance director David Halls had pled guilty to the charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon.
Alec Baldwin Says 'I Owe Everything' To Wife Hilaria Baldwin On Thursday Night
Only hours after the news broke on Thursday night, Baldwin took to Instagram to share a blurry photo of him and his wife, Hilaria Baldwin. In the caption, he wrote, “I owe everything I have to this woman. (and to you, Luke),” referring to his lawyer, Luke Nikas.
Many fans expressed support for the actor and offered him congratulations. “It’s a good day Alec. You have always had our support. You’re both very blessed with a precious family,” one follower wrote. “So relieved for you but still amazed that it got this far,” another fan chimed in.
Hilaria also took to her own Instagram account to share a photo of her sitting in Alec’s lap. In the caption, she left a single red heart emoji.
“Oh my gosh, so much relief for your hearts, Hilaria,” one follower commented. “Wonderful news for your family and while we mourn the losses of that day - we can only move forward,” another fan added.
