A special prosecutor in the involuntary manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin announced his resignation Tuesday, with Baldwin’s legal team saying his involvement was unconstitutional.
In a statement, Andrea Reeb, who is also a New Mexico state representative, said the decision to drop from prosecuting “Rust” was difficult and she made it after “much reflection”.
“My priority in this case — and in every case I’ve prosecuted in my 25-year career — is justice for the victim,” she said. “However, it has become clear that the best way to ensure justice in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and facts.”
Baldwin was charged earlier this year in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halina Hutchins on October 21, 2021, on the set of the western film “Rust”.
He has denied wrongdoing and last month pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors accused Baldwin of skipping required firearms training and creating an “atmosphere of recklessness” before firing during a rehearsal, injuring director Joel Souza and killing Hutchins.
In Tuesday’s statement, Reid said Baldwin showed “a complete disregard for basic protocol.” “I will not allow questions about my service as a legislator and prosecutor to detract from the real issue at hand.”
Baldwin’s attorneys filed a motion last month pointing to the state constitution and arguing that Reeb should be barred from prosecuting.
“As a special prosecutor, Representative Reeb is vested by statute with ‘all the powers and duties’ of a district attorney, who is deemed to be a member of the judicial or executive branch of the New Mexico government,” the defense said. in filing.
“Rep. Reb is therefore exercising executive power or judicial power, and his continued service as a special prosecutor is unconstitutional,” the lawyers said.
An attorney for Baldwin declined to comment Tuesday and pointed to an earlier filing that said there was “no question” the reb violated the constitution’s separation-of-powers provision.
The case’s remaining prosecutor, First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwiss, rejected the request from Baldwin’s attorneys, suggesting in a statement last month that the move was a distraction.
Hannah Gutierrez Reed, a weapons supervisor for “Jung”, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter and pleaded not guilty.
He and Baldwin face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine if convicted.
