Alec Baldwin Fights to Keep 'Rust' Shooting Case Dismissed

Alec Baldwin is urging the court not to reconsider its decision to dismiss the New Mexico criminal case against him related to the fatal 2021 shooting on the set of "Rust." Baldwin's legal team, including Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas, filed a motion requesting the court deny the prosecution’s appeal to reopen the case. They argue that prosecutors have not presented any new evidence to justify continuing the case.

The case was dismissed in July after a surprising revelation that certain evidence, involving live ammunition, had been concealed from Baldwin’s defense team. Baldwin’s lawyers maintain that this misconduct was severe enough to warrant the dismissal. The incident occurred when "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by a bullet fired from a prop gun on set.

According to police investigator Marissa Poppell, she was instructed to place the live ammunition evidence under a different case number, which Baldwin's legal team argues amounted to hiding critical information. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer described the prosecutors' behavior as "egregious" and stated that she had no option but to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.

The prosecution has yet to respond to the court or comment on the motion filed by Baldwin's lawyers.