Alec Baldwin isn’t letting the dismissal of his involuntary manslaughter charges in the tragic shooting on the set of ‘Rust’ go quietly into the sunset. After a judge ruled key evidence was withheld from his defense team, Baldwin has fired back with a warning shot of his own: he may sue New Mexico prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Sheriff Adan Mendoza for their alleged mishandling of the case.
In a twist reminiscent of the Wild West drama he was filming, Baldwin’s legal team has sent letters to Morrissey and Mendoza, putting them on notice to preserve documents for potential litigation. The actor, who saw charges dropped after it was revealed crucial evidence about the fatal shooting was concealed, is gearing up for a legal showdown.
The saga began with the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021, when a live round fired from a prop gun ended her life during a routine camera setup near Santa Fe. Hannah Gutierrez, the movie’s weapons handler, bore the brunt of legal consequences earlier this year with an involuntary manslaughter conviction and an 18-month prison sentence.
But Baldwin, despite the dismissal of charges against him, is not satisfied. Allegations of evidence suppression have cast a long shadow over the case, prompting his legal team’s aggressive stance. As the dust settles from the courtroom drama, Baldwin’s potential lawsuit looms large over the heads of those involved in the botched prosecution.
The fallout continues to unfold, with revelations surfacing even after the trial’s conclusion. Former assistant prosecutor Erlinda Johnson, who resigned just before Baldwin’s charges were dropped, admitted to discrepancies in evidence disclosure. This admission underscores the chaotic legal landscape that has unfolded since Hutchins’ tragic death.
As Baldwin prepares for possible legal action, the echoes of ‘Rust’ reverberate beyond the film set, casting a stark spotlight on the complexities and controversies of Hollywood’s legal dramas.
