Alec Baldwin Tries To Get Charges Dismissed

(USNewsBreak.com) – It’s been more than two years since the tragedy on the set of “Rust” claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Authorities charged Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in January 2023 before dismissing it a few months later. This January, they indicted him again on the same charge. Now, he’s taking action in court.

On Thursday, March 14, Baldwin’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the charges against the actor, claiming the prosecutors are engaging in “unethical disparagement.” In the motion, the legal team claims the state failed to “make Baldwin’s witnesses available to testify” and did not “present the exculpatory and favorable evidence to the grand jury,” per ABC News. Baldwin had reportedly given the evidence to the prosecution team ahead of the grand jury presentation.

Alec Baldwin moves to dismiss charges against him in fatal 'Rust' shooting case https://t.co/fIw0mkp7nY

— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) March 15, 2024

The actor’s attorneys also pointed out the narrow scope of Baldwin’s responsibilities on set, “limited to creative decisions,” per Court TV. He was not a part of the movie’s management team and had no part in handling props.

Baldwin’s legal team also noted that during Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s trial, prosecutor Kari Morrissey’s closing arguments pointed to the armorer as the responsible party because the movie hired her as “the autonomous decision maker with regard to gun safety.” Morrissey had added, “it was foreseeable that Baldwin would not check the gun.” The court hasn’t yet addressed or ruled on the motion.

The prosecution had previously dismissed the charges against Baldwin following a scandal that forced the special prosecutor and district attorney to resign.

Gutierrez-Reed’s trial concluded on March 6 when a jury found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter. The jury acquitted her of charges that she tampered S with evidence. The court scheduled her sentencing for April 15. She is facing up to 18 months in state prison. After the clerk read the verdict, the judge ordered jailers to take Gutierrez-Reed into custody and hold her until the hearing.