Alec Baldwin Manslaughter Case Dismissed by Judge A New Mexico judge has dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” in 2021. District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled on Friday that the state’s current involuntary manslaughter statute did not apply in this case because it was enacted after the shooting occurred. The judge also found that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to show that Baldwin intended to kill or injure anyone. Prosecutors had argued that Baldwin was responsible for Hutchins’ death because he had failed to follow proper safety protocols and had discharged a firearm without first checking whether it was loaded. Baldwin’s legal team maintained that the shooting was a tragic accident and that he did not know that the gun contained live ammunition. The dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter charge does not mean that Baldwin will face no charges in the case. The district attorney’s office is still pursuing a charge of negligent use of a firearm, which carries a possible penalty of up to 18 months in prison. Baldwin’s legal team expressed disappointment with the dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter charge but welcomed the decision to dismiss the negligent use of a firearm charge. They argued that the prosecution’s decision to pursue this charge was misguided and that it would have been impossible for Baldwin to know that the gun was loaded. The dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter charge is a significant development in the case and will likely have implications for the future prosecution of firearm-related accidents. It remains to be seen whether the district attorney’s office will appeal the judge’s decision or whether Baldwin will agree to a plea deal in the negligent use of a firearm case.A judge in New Mexico has dismissed the manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin in connection with the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film “Rust.” Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled on Thursday that prosecutors had made a “basic legal error” in charging Baldwin under a firearm enhancement statute that was not in effect at the time of the shooting. The judge also dismissed the charge of willful neglect of a deadly weapon against Baldwin’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas, said in a statement that the ruling was “a victory for the rule of law.” “It is a vindication for Mr. Baldwin and his career,” Nikas said. The Santa Fe District Attorney’s Office has said it will appeal the judge’s ruling. Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was wounded when Baldwin fired a gun that he believed was unloaded during a rehearsal on the set of “Rust” on October 21, 2021. Baldwin has denied wrongdoing and said he never pulled the trigger, but rather the gun discharged when he released the hammer. The dismissal of the manslaughter charge is a major victory for Baldwin, but the civil lawsuits filed against him by Hutchins’ family and Souza are still pending.