The manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin have been dropped following the judge’s reprimand of the prosecutors for not providing the defence with a set of bullets.

The trial of Alec Baldwin revealed alarming details about the fatal shooting incident on the set of the movie “Rust.” A police technician testified that live rounds were found in the cartridge belts of Baldwin and another actor. 

The Incident and Initial Findings

In October 2021, a tragic incident occurred on the set of the Western movie “Rust,” resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. 

During a rehearsal, Baldwin, 66, was holding a prop revolver that discharged a live round, killing Hutchins and wounding the film’s director. The incident shocked Hollywood and led to serious legal consequences for Baldwin.

Discovery of Live Rounds

On the second day of the trial, crime scene technician Marissa Poppell testified about finding live rounds mixed with dummy rounds on the set. This included live ammunition found in Baldwin’s bandolier. 

Poppell confirmed under questioning by Baldwin’s attorney, Alex Spiro, that Baldwin had no reason to suspect the presence of live rounds.

Judge’s Decision

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case, determining that no other punishment was adequate. “The state is highly culpable for its failure to provide discovery to the defendant,” Marlowe Sommer stated. “Dismissal with prejudice is warranted.” 

This decision means Alec Baldwin cannot be retried due to the principle of double jeopardy.

The judge expressed strong disapproval of the prosecution’s failures, stating, “If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith, it certainly comes so near to bad faith as to show signs of scorching.”

Testimony Highlights

During the trial, the defense uncovered that investigators had received a batch of live ammunition from retired officer Troy Teske, which was relevant to the case against film armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed. 

Despite being logged as evidence, these bullets were not provided to the defence.

In a bizarre twist, Morrissey called herself to the witness stand to explain that she did not believe the bullets had evidentiary value. 

Defence attorney Alex Spiro cross-examined Morrissey, questioning the repeated failures to turn over evidence and asking if she was acting out of contempt for Baldwin, which she denied.

Impact on Legal Proceedings

Jennifer Burrill, president of the New Mexico Criminal Defence Lawyers Association, called Morrissey’s failure to disclose the evidence “egregious.”

She emphasized that it was Morrissey’s job to ensure all evidence was disclosed to the defence, not to decide its relevance.

Morrissey argued that the bullets were a “wild goose chase,” claiming they had no impact on Baldwin’s guilt or innocence. The judge, however, saw it differently and dismissed the case.

Safety Concerns and Oversight

The trial has brought to light significant safety oversights on the set of “Rust.” Alec Baldwin’s defence emphasized that live rounds should never have been present, highlighting the failure of the safety protocols in place.

Halyna Hutchins’ Legacy

Halyna Hutchins, a talented cinematographer originally from Ukraine, was 42 years old at the time of her death. Her career was flourishing, and her untimely death has left a void in the film industry. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety on film sets.

Statements from Officials

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, whose office investigated the case, acknowledged the challenges and respected the court’s decision, emphasizing the ongoing pursuit of justice for Halyna Hutchins and her family.

Courtroom Reactions

Gasps were heard in the courtroom, as Baldwin received hugs and congratulations from his family and supporters. He and his wife, Hilaria, were in tears. 

They exited the courthouse without addressing the throngs of media outside.

Impact on Hollywood

The “Rust” incident has had a significant impact on Hollywood, leading to calls for stricter safety measures on film sets. The trial drew attention to the need for rigorous checks and the importance of following safety protocols.

The trial of Alec Baldwin is not just about one incident but reflects the broader issue of safety in the film industry. The discovery of live rounds in the cartridge belts of actors on the “Rust” set underscores the need for stringent safety measures and proper oversight. As the trial ends, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Halyna Hutchins and preventing such tragedies in the future.