Alec Baldwin's Legal Team Seeks Dismissal of Manslaughter Case, Accusing Prosecutors of Misconduct

Murder In The Morning | Daily True Crime News

Defense alleges violations of procedural rules and unfair practices in handling "Rust" shooting case.
Alec Baldwin's legal team has launched a fervent bid to dismiss the manslaughter case against him, asserting that prosecutors engaged in severe misconduct during the grand jury proceedings. In a motion filed Thursday, Baldwin's attorneys accused prosecutors of a litany of transgressions, including leaking information to the media, withholding crucial evidence, and providing a flawed jury instruction, all of which they argue have unfairly prejudiced the case against the actor.
According to Baldwin's lawyers, the prosecution's actions constitute an egregious abuse of the legal system and a gross violation of Baldwin's rights. In a statement, they asserted, “Enough is enough. This is an abuse of the system, and an abuse of an innocent person whose rights have been trampled to the extreme.”
The case stems from the tragic incident on the set of the film "Rust" in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot and director Joel Souza was seriously injured. Baldwin, who was holding the firearm, insists he did not pull the trigger, and was unaware that the gun contained live ammunition.
Baldwin's defense team argues that the prosecution failed to present witnesses to the grand jury who could testify that it was not the actor's responsibility to inspect the gun before the scene. They also allege that the prosecution heavily relied on biased expert testimony, ignoring evidence that could exonerate Baldwin.
Furthermore, Baldwin's attorneys accuse the prosecution of engaging in malicious conduct, with the apparent aim of securing an indictment against the actor regardless of the truth. They cited instances of a prosecutor being quoted anonymously in the media, indicating a desire to "humble" Baldwin and turn the case into a "teachable moment."
The defense intends to focus its arguments on the condition of the gun at the time of the shooting, alleging that it had been tampered with to make it easier to discharge accidentally. They assert that evidence showing signs of tampering was not presented to the grand jury.
Additionally, Baldwin's legal team has contested the jury instruction on involuntary manslaughter, arguing that the standard set by the court is too vague and insufficiently protective of Baldwin's rights. They sought a higher burden of proof, requiring prosecutors to demonstrate Baldwin's subjective knowledge of the risk posed by the firearm.
In contrast, the prosecution maintains that the gun was in working order and that Baldwin's actions constitute criminal negligence. However, the defense contends that the armorer on set, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for loading the live round into Baldwin's gun, received a lenient verdict due to flawed jury instructions.
As the legal battle intensifies, with Baldwin's trial scheduled for July 9, the actor's defense team remains steadfast in its determination to prove his innocence and hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy on the set of "Rust."
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