'Rust' trial day three latest
- The judge dismissed Baldwin's trial, agreeing with his lawyers' argument that the prosecution had hidden evidence related to ammunition.
- Baldwin had faced up to 18 months in prison if had been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust" in 2021. He denied the charge.
- "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who is serving an 18-month sentence for her role in Hutchins' had been expected to testify in Baldwin's case.
Judge dismisses Baldwin's trial
In a stunning turn of events, the judge in Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial dismissed the case today, siding with defense attorneys who argued that prosecutors hid evidence about ammunition that may be linked to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie “Rust” in 2021.
“The sanction of dismissal is the only warranted remedy” in the case, said First Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer.
Baldwin, 66, sobbed and put his face in his hands as Sommer announced her decision.
Morrissey says fellow special prosecutor resigned today
Morrissey, under cross-examination from Spiro, confirmed that her fellow special prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson resigned today.
Spiro asked Morrissey to explain why Ocampo Johnson stepped aside. Morrissey replied in part that her colleague "didn't agree with the decision to have a public hearing" into the defense team's motion to dismiss the case.
Special prosecutor takes the stand
In an extraordinary moment, special prosecutor Kari Morrissey has called herself to the witness stand as the state attempts to rebut Baldwin's team's accusations that it hid evidence about ammunition.
Sommer reminded Morrissey that there is no requirement for her to testify under oath.
"I think it's a good idea that I do it," Morrissey replied.
Special prosecutor could take the stand
Hancock was testifying when Sommer interrupted and asked the sheriff's investigator whether Morrissey, the special prosecutor, was part of the conversation to put the disputed Colt .45 rounds in a separate file. Hancock said yes.
Morrissey then told Sommer that she could testify under oath — and it sounded like the judge replied, "You're going to."
'Rust' firearms supplier is off the stand
"Rust" firearms supplier Seth Kenney is off the witness stand. He was brought in to testify during a hearing where the judge is considering Baldwin's lawyer's motion to dismiss the case.
Kenney has denied having any role in the live ammunition reaching the "Rust" set, and he has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Next up on the witness stand: Alexandria Hancock, the lead sheriff's investigator.
'Rust' firearms supplier on the stand, but jury isn't in the room
The judge is now hearing testimony from Seth Kenney, the firearms supplier on "Rust."
But the jurors are not in the room. They were sent home for the weekend so the judge could consider Baldwin's lawyers' motion to dismiss the case. Kenney is testifying as part of a hearing over that motion.
Baldwin defense accuses state of burying evidence, requests dismissal and sanctions
In an explosive turn of events, the judge in the Alec Baldwin manslaughter trial has sent the jury home until Monday to work through a defense motion accusing the state of burying evidence concerning ammunition that a “good Samaritan” hand-delivered to a crime scene technician after the armorer’s trial.
The defense claimed the ammunition came from the “Rust” prop supplier Seth Kenney, owner of PDQ Props, and may be linked to the death of Halyna Hutchins.
The good Samaritan is former Arizona police officer Troy Teske, who happens to be a friend of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s father and veteran Hollywood armorer Thell Reed.
During Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s trial, her defense claimed that the box of dummy rounds she was pulling from on the day of the shooting came from Kenney, but prosecutors dispelled those claims.
The state says the rounds that were later brought in by Teske do not match the rounds that were found on set because the primers are different colors. Prosecutor Kari Morrissey called the attempt to point blame at Kenney a “wild goose chase” by a man trying to protect his friend’s daughter.
Morrissey said the ammunition had no evidentiary value, but the defense said that that was not for her to decide and that she should’ve disclosed it to them.
The judge is now requesting to hear testimony from the Kenny and Gutierrez-Reed’s defense attorney, Jason Bowles.
The accusation could have major consequences, including a dismissal of Baldwin’s case or overturning Gutierrez-Reed’s conviction, if the judge rules in favor of the defense.
It’s unclear when the judge will make a decision, but it could happen as early as today.
Judge excuses the jury for the day
Judge Sommer just called a recess for the day as she and the attorneys hash out an evidentiary motion. The jury has not heard any testimony today.
Investigator to be questioned when jury arrives
Sommer says Cpl. Alexandra Hancock, who testified yesterday, will return to the stand when the jury is in the courtroom, and the owner of the company that provided firearms to the "Rust" set, Seth Kenney, will be questioned afterward.
Jury has not returned to the courtroom yet
Although the jury had been expected to return to the courtroom at 9:30 a.m. MT for the third day of Baldwin's trial, attorneys and Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer are reviewing whether certain evidence should be admitted.
The jury is not in the courtroom.