Alec Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter earlier this year (Picture: Getty)
The Santa Fe District Attorney has ‘stepped aside’ from overseeing the criminal proceedings against Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed in the ongoing case following the Rust shooting.
The 30 Rock actor, 64, was charged with involuntary manslaughter after he accidentally discharged a prop gun on the set of the film in New Mexico, in October, 2021, fatally shooting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
He has pleaded not guilty to both charges and maintained that he was unaware that the gun contained live rounds at the time.
Mary Carmack-Altwies has announced that attorneys Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis have been appointed as new special prosecutors.
‘Morrissey’s and Lewis’s extensive experience and trial expertise will allow the state to pursue justice for Halyna Hutchins and ensure that in New Mexico everyone is held accountable under the law,’ a statement from the Santa Fe District Attorney’s Office, via PA, read.
‘With the appointment of new special prosecutors, Carmack-Altwies will step aside from personally prosecuting the Rust case, allowing her to focus on the broader public safety needs in New Mexico’s First Judicial District.’
Halyna Hutchins lost her life in the incident (Picture: Getty)
The news comes days after special prosecutor, Andrea Reeb, also stepped down, explaining that it was the ‘best way I can ensure justice is served’.
She said at the time: ‘After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down as special prosecutor in the Rust case,” a statement, released by the DA’s office, read.
‘My priority in this case – and in every case I’ve prosecuted in my 25-year career – has been justice for the victim.
Baldwin has maintained that he didn’t know the gun contained live rounds (Picture: FilmMagic)
‘However, it has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts, which clearly show a complete disregard for basic safety protocols led to the death of Halyna Hutchins.
‘I will not allow questions about my serving as a legislator and prosecutor to cloud the real issue at hand.’
Baldwin’s lawyers argued that Reeb’s involvement in the case was ‘unconstitutional’ under New Mexico law, as she holds an elected position in New Mexico House of Representatives.
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They claimed that her position violated the constitution’s separation of powers provision, suggesting that she could ‘make prosecutorial decisions that serve her legislative interests’.
The Hollywood star is set to appear in court on May 3 for a two-week preliminary hearing, where it will be decided whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
His lawyers have said that he is looking forward to his day in court, and clearing his name.
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The shooting occurred in 2021.