Is Alec Baldwin’s Manslaughter Case Likely to be Dismissed? Legal Expert Weighs In
Actor Alec Baldwin is set to face a trial on July 10 for involuntary manslaughter at the sets of the film Rust after a 15-month-long battle with New Mexico State Prosecutors. Baldwin’s legal team is seeking the dismissal of the case, which they filed a motion for back in March, citing it as an abuse of the system and an infringement on the rights of an innocent person.
Developments in the case
Two individuals involved in the case have already been convicted in the fatal shooting incident, including the film’s armorer Hannah Gutierrez, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison on April 15. The incident occurred on the set of the Western Crime Drama on October 21, 2021, resulting in the fatal injury of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and harm to director Joel Souza.
Legal expert Emily D. Baker explains that the possibility of the case being dismissed is unlikely due to the wide latitude of the prosecution in handling grand jury indictments.
Nevertheless, Baldwin’s lawyers made strong arguments in their motion, particularly questioning the accuracy of instructions presented to the grand jury by special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey. The prosecution has maintained that Baldwin was not aware of the prop gun containing a live round and did not pull the trigger.
Looking towards the future
As the case proceeds, Baldwin’s team has the opportunity to respond to the prosecution’s claims before Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer makes a decision. Baker suggests that allowing both sides to argue their points is appropriate. She notes that even if the case is not dismissed, Baldwin could still come out ahead due to his extensive legal team compared to the prosecution.
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