Alec Baldwin's Trial: Prosecutors Eager to Cross-Examine, Special Prosecutor Withdraws

With just three months until Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial, one of the three special prosecutors has withdrawn from the "Rust" case. Prosecutors are reportedly "salivating" to cross-examine Baldwin, who is accused of killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film. Baldwin's legal team has alleged that the actor was offered a plea deal that was later retracted, leading to infighting at the district attorney's office.

Three months before Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial is set to begin, one of the three special prosecutors has withdrawn from the "Rust" case. Jason A. Lewis, who also prosecuted Hannah Gutierrez Reed's case, submitted a motion to withdraw from Baldwin's case, which went unopposed by Baldwin's legal team.

Prior to Lewis' request to step down, Baldwin's attorneys alleged in a new filing that Baldwin had been offered a plea deal that was later inappropriately retracted. According to a source familiar with Baldwin's case, this led to infighting at the DA's office, resulting in Lewis stepping down.

However, Prosecutor Kari Morrissey denied the "infighting" claims in a statement to Fox News Digital. She stated that she and Lewis have been close friends for twenty-five years and there has been no significant disagreement. Morrissey explained that Lewis has obligations to another client that prohibit him from dedicating enough time to Baldwin's trial.

Lewis' official withdrawal from Baldwin's case came shortly after the prosecution added Erlinda Johnson to the roster. Johnson is a personal injury, wrongful death, and civil rights attorney in New Mexico. She had previously spoken out about Baldwin's case, commenting on potential liability.

Baldwin's legal team recently claimed that prosecutors had inappropriately rescinded a plea offer made months before he was charged for a second time with involuntary manslaughter. The offer was made to ensure that similarly situated defendants do not receive disparate treatment. Assistant director Dave Halls received probation after accepting the state's plea deal.

Morrissey called Baldwin's latest filing "false and misleading" in a statement to Fox News Digital. She stated that the plea was withdrawn due to the reasons outlined in their response to his motion to dismiss.

Baldwin is scheduled to appear in court in July for the involuntary manslaughter trial. Jury selection will begin July 9, and the trial is expected to last until July 19. However, Baldwin's legal team is working to have his indictment dismissed.

Baldwin's motion to dismiss argues that the prosecution has acted unethically and failed to present crucial evidence to a grand jury. His legal team believes that this is an abuse of the system and a violation of his rights.

The upcoming proceedings will determine the fate of Baldwin's case. Prosecutors are reportedly eager to cross-examine the actor, while Baldwin's legal team continues to challenge the charges and seek a dismissal of the indictment. The outcome of the trial will have a significant impact on Baldwin's career and the legal framework surrounding the use of firearms on movie sets.