Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case was dismissed on Friday, July 12, 2024, after a judge ruled that prosecutors failed to properly turn over evidence to the defense.
The dramatic turn of events came just days into Baldwin’s trial, related to the killing of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” in New Mexico on October 21, 2021.
Baldwin’s legal team had filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing a breach of discovery protocols by state investigators.
The judge, Mary Marlowe Sommer, agreed, finding that the state’s discovery violation had injected an “incurable delay” into the trial.
The decision came after a chaotic hearing on Friday, during which the judge heard several hours of testimony about the alleged issue before siding with the defense and dismissing the case with prejudice.
“The state’s discovery violation has injected a needless, incurable delay into the jury trial,” she said.
“Dismissal with prejudice is warranted to ensure the integrity of the judicial system and the efficient administration of justice. Your motion to dismiss with prejudice is granted.”
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