Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amidst Undisclosed Evidence Allegations

Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial remains on track after a judge's ruling denying his request for dismissal. Baldwin's legal team claims that the prosecution's destruction of evidence has compromised his ability to receive a fair trial.

A New Mexico judge has refused to dismiss Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter charges stemming from the 2021 "Rust" shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer's ruling comes despite arguments from Baldwin's defense team that the prosecution's destruction of the gun involved in the shooting prevents him from having a fair trial.

Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amidst Undisclosed Evidence Allegations

In court documents, Baldwin's attorneys argued that the prosecution "intentionally" destroyed the Pietta 45 Colt revolver replica, depriving them of the opportunity to examine its condition before the FBI's testing allegedly altered it.

"Simply put, there is no way to undo what the government has done," they wrote. "Baldwin has forever lost the chance to probe [the gun's condition] without doubt."

Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amidst Undisclosed Evidence Allegations

Prosecutors had requested the FBI testing to determine whether the gun could fire without pulling the trigger. The defense contends that this testing damaged the gun's internal components, making it impossible to determine the exact cause of the discharge.

Baldwin's legal team also alleged that the prosecution failed to disclose "critical evidence" that would benefit his defense, including text messages and emails that allegedly show negligence on the part of others on the set.

Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amidst Undisclosed Evidence Allegations

They accused the prosecution of "trial by ambush," arguing that the late release of this evidence has hindered their ability to prepare for trial.

However, Judge Sommer rejected these arguments, finding that the prosecution's grand jury proceeding was not prejudicial against Baldwin. She also noted that Baldwin's manipulation of the firearm, even if he was unaware of the live ammunition, could still constitute recklessness.

Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amidst Undisclosed Evidence Allegations

Baldwin's trial is scheduled to begin on October 12. He faces a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the "Rust" armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March and sentenced to 18 months behind bars. She is currently appealing her conviction.

Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amidst Undisclosed Evidence Allegations

Baldwin's legal team has filed a fifth motion to dismiss the charges, arguing that the state violated his discovery rights and that the prosecution has not proven he committed a crime. However, the judge has not yet ruled on this motion.

The "Rust" shooting has sparked a debate about gun safety on movie sets and raised questions about the responsibility of actors, producers, and crew members in ensuring the safety of cast and crew.

Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amidst Undisclosed Evidence Allegations