In a surprising turn of events worthy of a scripted courtroom drama, Alec Baldwin saw his involuntary manslaughter trial for the fatal 2022 shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins dismissed Friday by a New Mexico judge.
As Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer spoke the words, “The motion to dismiss with prejudice is granted,” the obviously relieved actor removed his glasses, hung his head and broke down in tears. It was all caught live on CourtTV. You can watch it below at about the 5:35 mark.
Also in the courtroom were Baldwin’s wife, Hilaria, who wept as she gave the Emmy-winner a hug, and his brother, Stephen, and sister Elizabeth Keuchler, who listened intently throughout the judge’s announcement.
Watch on Deadline
Sommer unveiled her ruling on the defense motion to dismiss based on “concealed” evidence that Baldwin’s lawyer filed late Thursday. With the constant chorus of local police missteps, blatant professional incompetence, DA stumbles and eccentrics that have played out in this matter since that terrible day almost three years ago, the dismissal of the case today was simultaneously shocking and not that unexpected.
Hutchens’ widower, however, is not satisfied. The lawyer for Matthew Hutchins today made it clear that they will still pursue action against Baldwin.
“We respect the court’s decision,” Brian J. Parish told Deadline. “We look forward to presenting all the evidence to a jury and holding Mr. Baldwin accountable for his actions in the senseless death of Halyna Hutchins,” the Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP attorney added.
Whether that case will be a continuation of the initial wrongful death action filed in February 2022 or a breach of agreement suit is unclear right now.