Alec Baldwin’s lawyers ask judge to dismiss Rust manslaughter charges
Alec Baldwin’s legal team has asked a judge to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charges against him stemming from a fatal shooting on a movie set in 2021. The latest court motion alleges that prosecutors have unfairly biassed the case against the Emmy award-winning actor.
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey is expected to present a response in court within 14 days, according to Reuters.
Baldwin rejects responsibility for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident occurred while the 65-year-old actor was rehearsing with a Colt .45 pistol for a scene in the upcoming Western film “Rust,” in October 2021. The gun discharged accidentally, resulting in Hutchins’ tragic death and injuring director Joel Souza.
Baldwin maintains that he did not pull the trigger, asserting that he only pulled back the hammer of the weapon.
Previous charges were dropped last April, but Mr Baldwin was indicted again in January after prosecutors said new tests had revealed the incident could have only taken place if the trigger had been pulled.
The new motion filed by his attorneys alleges prosecutorial misconduct.