Alec Baldwin’s Legal Move: What His Lawsuit Means for the Rust Shooting Case
Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit against New Mexico prosecutors and investigators involved in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust.”
The lawsuit alleges malicious prosecution, defamation, and civil rights violations, accusing the defendants of intentionally mishandling evidence and pursuing the case for personal or political gain. Baldwin seeks punitive and compensatory damages, a jury trial, and attorney’s fees.
In July 2024, a judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin, citing the prosecution’s failure to disclose critical evidence.
The lawsuit claims that prosecutors intentionally concealed evidence that would absolve Baldwin from blame and “sought at every turn to scapegoat” him to “maliciously bring about or advance” the actor’s trial and conviction.
The defendants named in the lawsuit include special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, and other officials from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and county commissioners.
Baldwin’s legal team argues that the prosecution was overly zealous and violated his rights during the investigation and trial.
This legal action adds to the ongoing legal battles Baldwin has faced following the tragic incident on the “Rust” set, including a wrongful death lawsuit from Hutchins’ family and earlier charges of involuntary manslaughter, which were dismissed following the discovery of mishandled evidence.