Prosecutors dismiss Alec Baldwin charge, citing new evidence

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors have formally dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western film “Rust, ” citing new evidence and the need for more time to investigate.

Special prosecutors Kari Morrisey and Jason Lewis filed the notice to dismiss the only charge against Baldwin in state District Court in Santa Fe on Friday.

It says the investigation is ongoing.

An involuntary manslaughter charge against Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the weapons supervisor on the film, is unchanged. An online status hearing moved forward Friday in state District Court in the case against Gutierrez Reed, but the Baldwin case wasn't part of that hearing after the charge against the actor was thrown out.

“New facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis,” the prosecutors said Thursday in a news release, without elaborating on those facts.

“This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refilled. Our follow-up investigation will remain active and ongoing.”

Lawyers for Baldwin were first to announce that prosecutors were changing course, in a sharp turnaround for the Hollywood luminary who just a few months ago was confronting the possibility of a yearslong prison sentence.

“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” defence attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said in a statement.

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