In a stunning victory for the actor, a judge has dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in the 'Rust' shooting case. The decision marks a major setback for prosecutors, who had argued that Baldwin was responsible for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the film's set in October 2021.
Judge dismisses involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' case
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Judge Dismisses Involuntary Manslaughter Charge Against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' Case
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Santa Fe, New Mexico - In a stunning victory for the actor, a judge has dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in the 'Rust' shooting case. District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled on Friday that prosecutors had failed to show probable cause that Baldwin "willfully committed manslaughter" by handling a gun without proper safety precautions.
Judge Dismisses Involuntary Manslaughter Charge Against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' Case
The decision marks a major setback for prosecutors, who had argued that Baldwin was responsible for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the film's set in October 2021. Baldwin, who was holding the gun when it discharged, has maintained that he did not know it was loaded with live ammunition.
In her ruling, Judge Sommer said that the evidence presented by prosecutors was insufficient to establish that Baldwin "intended to shoot and kill" Hutchins. She also noted that Baldwin had been given assurances by the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, that the gun was safe to handle.
Judge Dismisses Involuntary Manslaughter Charge Against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' Case
"The Court finds that there is a lack of probable cause to believe that the Defendant committed involuntary manslaughter," Judge Sommer wrote in her ruling.
Baldwin's attorneys had argued that he was not legally responsible for the shooting because he was not the one who loaded the gun or responsible for its safety. They also argued that the gun discharged accidentally, without Baldwin pulling the trigger.
Judge Dismisses Involuntary Manslaughter Charge Against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' Case
Prosecutors had sought to hold Baldwin accountable for his actions on the set, arguing that he failed to follow proper safety protocols and should have verified the gun's condition before handling it.
The dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter charge is a major setback for prosecutors, who had been confident in their case. It is unclear whether they will appeal the judge's decision.
Judge Dismisses Involuntary Manslaughter Charge Against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' Case
Baldwin still faces a civil lawsuit filed by Hutchins' family, which alleges that he was negligent in his handling of the gun. That case is scheduled to go to trial in October.
The dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter charge is a significant development in the 'Rust' case, and it remains to be seen if it will have any impact on the ongoing civil lawsuit.
