Latest Rust Manslaughter Case Update Is Bad News for Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwinis still set to face trial after Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer rejected the defense’s move to dismiss the charges in the wake of damaged evidence, according to Variety. Specifically, the Colt .45 that was fired, tragically ending the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin’s legal team argued the case should be thrown out after the FBI’s testing of the weapon led to its destruction. Baldwin is set to appear in court on July 9 in Santa Fe, New Mexico to face charges of involuntary manslaughter.

The prosecution alleges he had shown “reckless behavior” on the set of the film. The actor has consistently denied pulling the trigger of the weapon, though the state contends that the only way the gun could have been discharged is with the pull of its trigger. For the defense’s part, they hold to the argument that the gun was possibly damaged prior to the incident, and the shot was the result of a malfunction.

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In the defense’s view, the FBI’s testing of the weapon prevented them from being able to do the same. Since the FBI’s testing led to the weapon’s destruction, the defense team was unable to analyze it in its original condition or exactly how it was at the time of the incident. They requested the case be thrown out under a Supreme Court precedent requiring investigators to preserve evidence that can potentially exonerate someone of any wrongdoing.

What Exactly Was Denied by the Judge?

On Friday, June 28, Judge Sommer maintained that Baldwin’s team had failed to justify that the undamaged weapon would prove to be an exculpatory piece of evidence. Judge Sommer also denied the defense’s request to bar the prosecutors from arguing that Baldwin himself pulled the trigger. But, she did rule that both the prosecution and defense could investigate just how the weapon was damaged, as well as contend the matter during trial testimony.

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This isn’t the first time that Judge Sommer has denied a motion from the defense, either. It’s the third, and they’ve also filed a fourth, with the argument that special prosecutor Kari Morrissey withheld a firearms report that they maintain could reveal pre-existing damage to the Colt. On her part, Morrissey has stated that the report was not withheld, but not turned over as an “inadvertent oversight” and that the motion for dismissal is a distraction tactic more than it is something that could actually help the defense. In her words:

“There is no end to the defendant’s absurdity.”

Baldwin was initially charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in January 2023. The charges were dropped on April 20 of that year, but reinstated in early 2024. The tragedy has already put armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed behind bars for involuntary manslaughter. She is currently serving an 18-month sentence.