The special prosecutor handling the case against Alec Baldwin over the filming of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust has resigned.
Andrea Reeb announced the decision a month later of Baldwin the attorney filed a motion to remove her because she is also a representative in the state legislature.
The plaintiff’s team argued that it violates the New Mexico constitution for a legislator serving in another branch of government.
“The best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is by stepping down so the prosecution can focus on the evidence and facts, which clearly show a complete disregard for basic safety protocols leading to the deaths.” by Halyna Hutchins,” Ms. Hutchins said. Reeb said.
“I will not allow questions about my service as a lawmaker and prosecutor to obscure the real issue at hand.”
On February 23 Baldwin, star and producer of the film, he pleaded not guilty to the charge of manslaughter.
He was holding the gun that killed Mrs. Hutchinsalthough he denied pulling the trigger.
Two others were charged, gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will plead not guilty to manslaughter, her attorney said, while assistant director Dave Hall pleaded not guilty to a lesser charge.
Halyna Hutchins pictured in 2017. Pic: Rex
Abandoned Firearm Improvement
The indictment originally charged Baldin and Ms. Gutierrez-Reed with five years of firearm augmentation, but was later dropped because the law did not apply at the time of Ms. Hutchins’ death, reducing their possible prison sentence from one minimum of five years to a maximum of 18 months.
Ms. Gutierrez-Reed attributed the shooting to potential sabotage, Baldwin’s lack of firearms training, and Halls and Baldwin’s failure to call her to the set for further firearms checks.
Alec Baldwin pictured on the film set after filming. Pictured: Sante Fe Police
Prosecutors deny authorities destroyed the gun
It comes after prosecutors in New Mexico denied claims made by Baldwin’s attorneys that state authorities had destroyed the firearm that killed Mrs. Hutchins.
Meanwhile, several lawsuits have been filed against Baldwin and others regarding Ms. Hutchins’ death following her shooting, including her husband Matthew, her parents and her sister. A agreement has been reached at the end of January.
Three crew members are even among those who initiated legal actionstating that he suffered from anxiety and PTSD symptoms after the shooting.
