Two attorneys were appointed special prosecutors Wednesday in the manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin. after the previous special prosecutor resigned this month, authorities said.
New Mexico 1st Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies has appointed attorneys Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis to act as special prosecutors, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. statement.
Baldwin was charged earlier this year in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. on October 21, 2021, on the New Mexico set of the western film «Rust.»
He has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty last month.
«The extensive experience and trial experience of Morrissey and Lewis will enable the state to seek justice for Halyna Hutchins and ensure that everyone in New Mexico is held accountable under the law,» the statement said.
Prosecutors accused Baldwin of skipping required firearms training and creating a «climate of recklessness» before opening fire during rehearsal, wounding director Joel Souza and killing Hutchins.
«With the appointment of new special prosecutors, Carmack-Altwies will no longer personally prosecute the ‘Rust’ case, allowing her to focus on the broader public safety needs in New Mexico’s First Judicial District,» said Heather Brewer, spokeswoman from the prosecutor’s office.
Carmack-Altwies said in a statement: “My responsibility to the people of the First Judicial District is greater than any case, which is why I have chosen to appoint a special prosecutor in the ‘Rust’ case. Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis will relentlessly seek justice in the death of Halyna Hutchins on behalf of the people of the First Judicial District.»
Baldwin’s attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Andrea Reeb said this month she would step down as special prosecutor just weeks after Baldwin’s legal team said her involvement was unconstitutional, citing New Mexico’s separation of powers statute.
Baldwin’s team also said a politician could be susceptible to undue public pressure, and filed a motion last month arguing that Reeb should be barred from prosecuting the case.
In a statement, Reeb, who is also a state representative, said the decision to resign was a difficult one.
«My priority in this case, and in every case I’ve prosecuted in my 25-year career, has been justice for the victim,» he said. «However, it has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to resign so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts.»
A “Rust” weapons supervisor, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was also charged with manslaughter and pleaded not guilty.
If convicted, she and Baldwin face 18 months in prison and $5,000 fines.