(VitalNews.org) – In a bombshell development, Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin escaped justice as prosecutors dropped their appeal in the “Rust” shooting case.
New Mexico prosecutors have withdrawn their appeal against the dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin.
This decision effectively ends the legal battle surrounding the tragic shooting on the “Rust” movie set, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life.
By withdrawing the appeal, the Santa Fe District Attorney’s Office endorsed Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer’s earlier verdict.
The charges were initially dropped due to allegations of prosecutorial misconduct as significant evidence swallow was not disclosed.
Baldwin has consistently claimed his innocence, viewing the incident as a “grave accident” rather than a criminal event.
“Today’s decision to dismiss the appeal is the final vindication of what Alec Baldwin and his attorneys have said from the beginning — this was an unspeakable tragedy but Alec Baldwin committed no crime,” said defense attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro. “The rule of law remains intact in New Mexico.”
The case’s dismissal with prejudice means it cannot be refiled against Baldwin, effectively protecting him from further criminal prosecution.
During the case, the prosecution faced criticism for concealing information about the ammunition used.
The judge went as far as to criticize the prosecution for willfully withholding information, suggesting it was close to bad faith.
“As a result, the State’s efforts to continue to litigate the case in a fair and comprehensive manner have been met with multiple barriers that have compromised its ability to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” local prosecutors stated.
Although Baldwin walks free, it is worth noting that armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed was convicted of loading a live round into the revolver used by Baldwin.
As the legal proceedings end, several civil lawsuits have been filed against Baldwin and Rust producers, including by the Hutchins family.
According to some, these lawsuits may be the last hope for justice in this tragic case as the criminal justice system failed to hold Baldwin accountable.
The “Rust” shooting has led to industry-wide scrutiny of safety protocols, particularly regarding firearms on set.
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