by A special prosecutor in the manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin announced her resignation Tuesday, weeks after Baldwin’s legal team said her involvement was unconstitutional.
In a statement, Andrea Reeb, who is also a New Mexico state representative, said the decision to drop the “Rust” indictment was a difficult one and was made after “much thought.”
“My priority in this case, and in every case I’ve prosecuted in my 25-year career, has been justice for the victim,” he said. “However, it has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to resign 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 on October 21, 2021, on the set of the western film “Rust.”
He has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty last month.
Prosecutors accused Baldwin of skipping required firearms training and creating a “climate of recklessness” before opening fire during rehearsal, wounding director Joel Souza and killing Hutchins.
Baldwin showed a “total disregard for basic protocols,” Reed said in Tuesday’s statement. “I will not allow questions about my performance as a legislator and prosecutor to cloud the real issue at hand.”
Baldwin’s lawyers filed a motion last month pointing to the state constitution and arguing that Reeb should be barred from prosecuting the case.
“As special prosecutor, Representative Reeb is vested by law with ‘all the powers and duties’ of a district attorney, who is considered a member of the New Mexico judicial or executive branch of government,” the defense team said. in a presentation.
“Therefore, Representative Reeb is exercising executive or judicial power, and her continued service as special prosecutor is unconstitutional,” the attorneys said.
A lawyer for Baldwin declined to comment Tuesday, pointing to an earlier filing that said there was “no question” that Reeb had violated the constitution’s separation of powers provision.
The remaining prosecutor in the case, 1st Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, had dismissed the request by Baldwin’s lawyers, suggesting in a statement last month that the move was a diversion.
A “Rust” weapons supervisor, 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.
