A terrible on-set shooting occurred on Oct. 21, 2021, when Alec Baldwin rehearsed a scene for the western movie “Rust.” The gun Baldwin was holding discharged, wounding director Joel Souza and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Baldwin has maintained that he did not know the weapon was loaded and did not pull the trigger.
Prosecutors charged Baldwin with manslaughter, with an “enhancement,” because a firearm was involved. The enhancement indicated that Baldwin would receive a mandatory five-year minimum jail term if convicted.
In recent weeks, actor Alec Baldwin’s attorneys successfully argued that the prosecution should drop the enhancement charge.
On Wednesday, New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies announced that the prosecutors on the case had been replaced by the “new prosecutors,” Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis.
Heather Brewer, a spokesperson for the First New Mexico Judicial District Attorney’s Office, said in a statement: “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.”
Fox News noted that the previous lead prosecutor, Andrea Reeb, stepped down on Mar. 14, and prosecutor Carmack-Altwies was reassigned to “focus on the broader public safety needs in New Mexico’s First Judicial District.”
Notably, the New Mexico District Attorney’s Office received harsh criticism for reportedly overstepping their authority and charging Baldwin with an “enhancement” charge that was ratified months after the shooting occurred.
Brewer did not reference the criticism the DA’s office has received but said, “Carmack-Altwies will continue her record of prosecuting drunken drivers, collaborating with local law enforcement, increasing diversion efforts, and securing convictions against the most dangerous and prolific offenders.”
Brewer added, “My responsibility to the people of the First Judicial District is greater than any one case, which is why I have chosen to appoint a special prosecutor in the ‘Rust’ case. Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis will unflinchingly pursue justice in the death of Halyna Hutchins on behalf of the people of First Judicial District.
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