Special prosecutor resigns from 'Rust' case after Alec Baldwin's lawyers call for her removal
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Special prosecutor resigns from 'Rust' case after Alec Baldwin's lawyers call for her removal
A special prosecutor manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin announced his resignation on Tuesday, weeks after Baldwin’s legal team declared his participation to be unconstitutional.
In a statement, Andrea Reeb, who is also a New Mexico State Representative, said the decision to step down from the ‘Rust’ charge was difficult and she made it after “much thought. “.
“My priority in this case – and in all the cases I have pursued in my 25-year career – has been justice for the victim,” she said. “However, it has become clear that the best way to ensure justice is served in this case is to step aside so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts.”
Baldwin was charged this year in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins October 21, 2021, on the set of the western “Rust”.
He denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty last month.
Prosecutors accused Baldwin of ignoring required firearms training and creating a “reckless atmosphere” before opening fire during a rehearsal, injuring director Joel Souza and killing Hutchins.
Baldwin showed a “complete disregard for basic protocols,” Reed said in Tuesday’s statement. “I won’t let questions about my role as legislator and prosecutor obscure the real issue at hand.”
Baldwin’s attorneys filed a petition last month pointing to the state constitution and arguing that Reeb should be barred from pursuing the case.
“As a special prosecutor, Representative Reeb is vested by law with ‘all the powers and duties’ of a district attorney, who is deemed to be a member of the judicial or executive branch of government in New Mexico,” the defense team said. in a folder.
“Representative Reeb therefore exercises either executive or judicial power, and her continued service as special prosecutor is unconstitutional,” the attorneys said.
A lawyer for Baldwin declined to comment on Tuesday and pointed to an earlier filing saying there was “no doubt” that Reeb violated the constitution’s separation of powers provision.
The remaining prosecutor on the case, First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, had denied the request by Baldwin’s lawyers, suggesting in a statement last month that the move was a distraction.
A weapons supervisor for “Rust,” Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was also charged with manslaughter and pleaded not guilty.
She and Baldwin face 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine if convicted.