New Mexico prosecutors on Friday charges formally dismissed against actor Alec Baldwin in connection with the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of her film «Rust» in 2021.
Baldwin had been charged with manslaughter before «new facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis cannot be completed before «a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 3.» according to a file by special prosecutors Jason Lewis and Mari Morrissey.
The brief presentation did not indicate what «new facts» led to the withdrawal of the case.
Prosecutors dismissed the case «without prejudice,» meaning any new evidence could prompt them to re-file charges.
Even if Baldwin is never held accountable in a criminal trial, attorney Gloria Allred, who represents Hutchins’ loved ones, said her civil suit against the actor will continue.
«Despite the prosecution’s decision to dismiss the criminal charge against Alec Baldwin without prejudice, the victims of Alec Baldwin we represent remain hopeful,» Allred said in a statement Friday. «Mr. Baldwin has tried to dismiss our civil case against him, and has failed.»
Allred added: «He has even sunk so deep as to attack Halyna Hutchins’ grieving mother, father and sister for trying to hold him accountable for his part in Halyna Hutchins’ death.»
While Baldwin appears to be clear of criminal charges, his former co-defendant Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the gunsmith for the «Rust» outfit, is still on trial. She is charged with involuntary manslaughter and her preliminary hearing has been set for Friday, August 9.