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Alec Baldwin mistrial: What happened?
The case has been dismissed with prejudice against Alec Baldwin in his involuntary manslaughter trial of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the "Rust" movie set. LiveNOW from FOX's Josh Breslow talks with civil trial attorney, Tre Lovell about what happened.
LOS ANGELES - Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a lawsuit in New Mexico, accusing prosecutors and investigators of malicious prosecution, civil rights violations, and defamation related to the fatal 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Santa Fe, names special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, three Santa Fe County sheriff's investigators, and the county board of commissioners as defendants.
"Defendants sought at every turn to scapegoat Baldwin for the acts and omissions of others, regardless of the evidence or the law," the lawsuit states, alleging the case was mishandled for professional and political gain.
Dismissed charges and new claims
The lawsuit comes months after a New Mexico judge dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin in July. Baldwin’s lawyers argued investigators mishandled evidence, including ammunition brought into the sheriff’s office that was "buried" in unrelated case files.
The state attorney general declined to pursue an appeal of the dismissal, officially closing the criminal case in December.
Special prosecutor Morrissey responded to the lawsuit, stating Baldwin’s legal team had been signaling such a move since 2023. "We look forward to our day in court," Morrissey told the Associated Press.
Actor Alec Baldwin leans on a chair during a break in his hearing in Santa Fe County District Court, July 10, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo by ROSS D. FRANKLIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Fallout from the "Rust" tragedy
The October 2021 shooting occurred during a rehearsal at a Santa Fe ranch when a revolver held by Baldwin discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has maintained that he pulled back the hammer but did not pull the trigger.
The shooting also led to the conviction of weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed for involuntary manslaughter. She is serving a 1.5-year sentence.
Baldwin’s lawsuit seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, and interest.
Ongoing litigation and Baldwin’s plans
In addition to Baldwin’s lawsuit, Hutchins’ parents and sister have filed a separate civil suit in New Mexico, while her widower and son settled their own claims.
Meanwhile, Baldwin has resumed his acting career and recently appeared on Saturday Night Live. Plans are reportedly underway for a family reality TV show featuring Baldwin, his wife Hilaria, and their seven children.
The Source:
Information based on an Associated Press report published Jan. 9, 2025.