Alec Baldwin Prosecutor Says Case Was Dismissed Because Judge Misunderstood Evidence

As a seasoned film enthusiast with decades of immersion in the world of cinema, I find myself deeply troubled by the ongoing saga surrounding the “Rust” case. Having followed countless trials and courtroom dramas, both on and off screen, I must say that this one stands out as particularly convoluted and frustrating.

In the “Rust” case, I firmly believe that the dismissal of Alec Baldwin‘s manslaughter charge was unwarranted due to a misinterpretation of the essential evidence during a pivotal court hearing, as argued by the prosecutor.

In a recently disclosed court document, special prosecutor Kari Morrissey admitted she’s finding it difficult to grasp the judge’s decision. Additionally, Morrissey maintains that there are no valid reasons to reverse Hannah Gutierrez Reed’s conviction, who is currently serving an 18-month prison term in relation to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Last month, Baldwin’s case was terminated during trial, when it was discovered that the prosecution had neglected to share a collection of bullets. Remarkably, three of these bullets seemed to correspond with the live bullets found on the movie set. In a recent court order, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer criticized Morrissey for engaging in “intentional and deceitful misconduct” and for presenting false testimony about the bullets to the jury.

Gutierrez Reed is seeking another trial based on similar reasons, claiming that the prosecutor failed to disclose evidence that could have cleared him during the initial trial as well.

Morrissey contended that the ammunition stash didn’t clear Baldwin or Gutierrez Reed of any wrongdoing, as no witness in either case ever saw, possessed, or was aware of these bullets. Additionally, she asserted that Baldwin’s legal team wasn’t disadvantaged by the withheld information because they were already informed about the bullets prior to the trial.

Lawyers for Gutierrez Reed have contended that her conviction should be reversed, as the state neglected to disclose an interview with firearms supplier Seth Kenney and a forensic report detailing unusual markings on Baldwin’s gun, which were presented to the defense post-trial.

Jason Bowles, the defense lawyer, also criticized Morrissey for not seizing the pile of bullets prior to the trial and having them examined. If these bullets had matched the live ammunition, the defense could have employed that evidence to suggest that Kenney unintentionally provided the live rounds for setting — which would have lessened Gutierrez Reed’s responsibility in this case.

In response, Morrissey contended that the evidence indicates that Gutierrez Reed obtained the bullets from her father, armorer Thell Reed. She further explained that the unpublished Kenney interview merely restated statements he had made previously. Morrissey added that the forensic report did not aid Gutierrez Reed’s defense, as they argued that the gun was functioning correctly.

She criticized Bowles for not discovering the hidden report during the pre-trial cross-examination of the state’s firearms specialist. Bowles claims that if the report had been revealed, he would have adjusted his approach, potentially leading to a different result.

Gutierrez Reed has been in detention since her verdict on March 6, and as of yet, there is no scheduled court date for the request for a retrial.

2024-08-06 00:17

Alec Baldwin Prosecutor Says Case Was Dismissed Because Judge Misunderstood Evidence

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