Alec Baldwin Grateful to Supporters as Rust Manslaughter Case Dismissed

Alec Baldwin has been cleared of involuntary manslaughter charges related to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the “Rust” movie set in 2021, as announced by a New Mexico judge on Friday. Shortly after his exoneration, Baldwin expressed his gratitude on Instagram, acknowledging the overwhelming support he received during this challenging period.

In his post, accompanied by a photo of himself from the trial, Baldwin wrote, “There are too many people who have supported me to thank just now. To all of you, you will never know how much I appreciate your kindness toward my family.” The tragic incident not only resulted in Hutchins’ death but also injured director Joel Souza in October 2021.

The emotional toll of the trial was evident when Baldwin, visibly moved, broke down and embraced his wife Hilaria Baldwin in the courtroom upon hearing the judge’s decision.

Three days post-trial, District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer sided with Baldwin’s legal team, who argued that crucial evidence had been withheld by prosecutors and police regarding the origin of the live ammunition that led to Hutchins’ death.

This case marked a rare instance of a criminal prosecution of an actor for an on-set incident. Baldwin’s attorneys criticized the prosecution for navigating through what they described as a “cesspool of improprieties.” Following the dismissal, Baldwin and his family departed from the courthouse without addressing the media.

Judge Sommer condemned the state’s actions, stating, “The state’s withholding of the evidence was willful and deliberate. Dismissal with prejudice is warranted to ensure the integrity of the judicial system and the efficient administration of justice.”

During the proceedings, Baldwin’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, highlighted a significant oversight by the Santa Fe sheriff’s office, which had seized live rounds in March as part of the investigation but failed to properly document them or inform the defense. In a tense exchange during the trial, Spiro confronted Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Alexandria Hancock, the lead investigator, suggesting the omission was intended to protect the law enforcement’s case against Baldwin.