Actor Alec Baldwin hugs a member of his legal team after the judge dismissed his involuntary manslaughter case for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Helena Hutchins during the filming of the western movie “Rust” in 2021, Friday, July 12, 2024, in Santa Fe, N.M. | Photo credit: Ramsay de Give
Actor Alex Baldwin has broken his silence after a New Mexico judge dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges against him in connection with the tragic shooting incident on a film set. War,
A statement received said that deadlineBaldwin expressed gratitude amid the tumultuous legal battle. “I am grateful for the tremendous support I have received during this challenging time,” he said.
He also shared a photo of himself taken inside the courtroom on Instagram. Along with the photo, he wrote, “There are so many people who have supported me right now that I can’t thank enough. To all of you, you will never know how much I appreciate your kindness to my family.”
The decision, announced by Judge Marlo Somer on Friday, not only dismissed the charges against Baldwin but also barred any possibility of a retrial, effectively ending the criminal proceedings against him. The decision came after a day of hearings filled with heated debate about alleged mishandling of evidence by authorities.
Judge Marlo Somers clearly underscored the impact of procedural errors on the fairness of the trial, stating, “The late discovery of this evidence has compromised the fundamental fairness of these proceedings. There is no remedy other than dismissal of the charges.” During the hearing, the judge personally inspected a bag of ammunition crucial to the case, which Baldwin’s legal team claimed they had not been told about until recently.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommers opens a package of evidence not handed over to defense attorneys in the trial against Alex Baldwin, Friday, July 12, 2024, in Santa Fe, N.M. | Photo credit: Eddie Moore/The Journal
This development had significant consequences, including the resignation of one special prosecutor and the testimony of another. The Hollywood ReporterThe trial was initially expected to last two weeks, but it ended abruptly on the third day, leaving Baldwin visibly saddened but silent as he left the courtroom.
Prosecutor Carrie Morrissey acknowledged the judge’s decision, saying there was no conclusive evidence linking the discovered ammunition to the tragic incident involving cinematographer Helena Hutchins. The motion to dismiss filed by Baldwin’s defense team highlighted key evidence that emerged following the trial of the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
Prosecutor Kari Morrissey addresses the media after District Court Judge Mary Marlow Sommers dismissed the case against Baldwin on Friday, July 12, 2024. | Photo credit: Luis Sanchez Saturno/The New Mexican
This included bullets allegedly matching the fatal bullet, which retired officer Troy Teske belatedly told authorities about in March but were not presented to the defense during trial preparations. The Hollywood ReporterThe fatal incident occurred during a rehearsal at a church in New Mexico, where Baldwin inadvertently fired a loaded revolver that he was confident was empty.
The incident resulted in the death of Helena Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza, sparking widespread scrutiny over safety protocols on film sets. The legal proceedings against Baldwin have been tumultuous, involving conflicting forensic reports and witness testimony since charges were first filed, dropped, and later reinstated in January 2023.
Following the dismissal, Brian Panish, the attorney representing Matthew Hutchins, Helena’s widower, expressed disappointment, while reaffirming his commitment to holding Baldwin accountable. “We respect the court’s decision. We look forward to presenting all evidence to the jury and holding Mr. Baldwin accountable for his actions in the senseless death of Helena Hutchins,” Panish said in an official statement he received. The Hollywood Reporter,
