DA steps away from Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' case, new special prosecutors appointed
SANTE FE, N.M. (TND) — The district attorney who was overseeing the manslaughter case involving actor Alec Baldwin on the set of his new movie "Rust" has announced she is stepping down and appointing new special prosecutors.
New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies took to social media on Wednesday to say that, because her "responsibility to the people of the First Judicial District is greater than any one case," she has "chosen to appoint a special prosecutor in the 'Rust' case."
New Mexico attorneys Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis will now serve as special prosecutors in the case.
Morrissey's and Lewis' extensive experience and trial expertise will allow the state to pursue justice for Halyna Hutchins and ensure that in New Mexico everyone is held accountable under the law," Carmack-Altwies said in her announcement.
Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis will unflinchingly pursue justice in the death of Halyna Hutchins on behalf of the people of First Judicial District," Carmack-Altwies added.
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot dead during an Oct. 2021 rehearsal for "Rust," a Western movie that was being filmed at a ranch in Santa Fe, according to The Associated Press.
Actor Alec Baldwin was reportedly pointing a gun at Hutchins when it went off, fatally wounding her and also wounding director Joel Souza. He, along with weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has pleaded "not guilty" to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the case of Hutchins's death, the AP says.
A previous special prosecutor who was appointed to the case, Republican state Rep. Andrea Reeb, stepped down from the case after Baldwin's legal team sought to disqualify her.
It has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts," Reeb said in February.
A preliminary hearing that is set for sometime in May will decide whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial in the case, according to The Associated Press.
