Newly appointed special prosecutors in the case confirmed charges have been dropped against the actor, though noted their investigation remains "active and ongoing."
Newly appointed special prosecutors? Money DOES have an effect.
Baldwin, 65, had been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter after fatally shooting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, on the New Mexico set of the Western in October 2021. The actor was practicing a cross-draw when the gun fired, striking the cinematographer and director Joel Souza, who suffered a non-life-threatening injury.
"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," Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, the attorneys for Baldwin, said in a statement.
The producers were very happy that Baldwin can resume shooting.
| Courtesy of Mercutio: |
Not So Fast, Bubba[GatewayPundit] Numerous outlets reported Thursday that the manslaughter charges against Baldwin in the October 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie "Rust" were dropped.
Baldwin’s lawyers immediately claimed this was vindication.
"We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic incident," they said in a statement.
However, in their statement Thursday night on the decision to drop the charges, special prosecutors Jason Lewis and Kari Morrissey said it does not mean they are gone for good.
"Over the last few days and in preparation for the May 3, 2023, preliminary hearing, new facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis in the case against Alexander ’Alec’ Rae Baldwin, III," the prosecutors said in a statement.
"Consequently, we cannot proceed under the current time constraints and on the facts and evidence turned over by law enforcement in its existing form," they said.
The prosecutors said the charges were being dismissed to "conduct further investigation."
"This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled," they said. "Our follow-up investigation will remain active and on-going."