Alec Baldwin trial dismissed by judge over withheld evidence

SANTA FE: A New Mexico judge dismissed out the involuntary manslaughter case against Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer also said the case cannot be filed again.

Alec Baldwin trial for involuntary manslaughter was dismissed Friday.

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The development came after a judge ruled that key evidence relating to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” had been withheld from the defense.

The defense accused prosecutors of hiding evidence from them about the ammunition that may be related to the shooting on the set of the Western “Rust” in 2021. The defense said they should have been allowed to determine its significance.

State’s withholding of evidence was ‘willful and deliberate,’ says judge

A complaint that Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer upheld, and said: “The late discovery of this evidence during trial has impeded the effective use of evidence in such a way that it has impacted the fundamental fairness of the proceedings. If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith it certainly comes so near to bad faith to show signs of scorching.”

“The state’s withholding of the evidence was willful and deliberate,” Sommer added while delivering her decision. “Dismissal with prejudice is warranted to ensure the integrity of the judicial system and the efficient administration of justice.”

Baldwin faced 18 months behind bars

Emotional scenes met the decision, with Baldwin embracing his attorneys amid tears.

The 66-year-old Hollywood actor faced a potential 18-month prison sentence had he been found guilty.

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Hutchins, 42, was killed after Baldwin aimed a gun at her as they were preparing a scene in October 2021.