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lawsuit by actor Alec Baldwin A charge of malicious prosecution has been reinstated and moved to federal court by the defendants in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the 2021 Western film “Rust.”
Baldwin initially filed the lawsuit in state court in January, claiming civil rights violations, and the involuntary manslaughter charge against the actor was dismissed at trial in 2024, alleging that police and prosecutors concealed evidence from the defense.
A motion to take the malicious prosecution case to federal court was filed Monday by the defendants — Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis, along with three investigators from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and the County Board of Commissioners.
The change in court venue escalates Baldwin’s years-long conflict with New Mexico authorities. Here are some things to know.
death of cinematographer
Baldwin, lead actor and co-producerWar,” was pointing a gun at the cinematographer Halina Hutchins In October 2021, a revolver was fired during a rehearsal on a film set outside Santa Fe, killing Hutchins and wounding the director joel souza,
Baldwin has said that he pulled the hammer back – but not the trigger – and the revolver fired.
Some testified at Baldwin’s July trial, before it was revealed that ammunition was brought to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in March 2024 by a man who said it might be related to the Hutchins murder.
Prosecutors said they considered the gunpowder unrelated and insignificant, while Baldwin’s lawyers say investigators “buried” the evidence in a separate case file and filed a successful motion to dismiss. A judge dismissed the charges against Baldwin and later denied prosecutors’ request for a reconsideration.
multiple lawsuits
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, a weapons supervisor for the movie “Rust,” has completed a 1.5-year prison sentence after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins’ death in a jury trial. An appeal against the conviction has been started in the High Court.
“Rust” assistant director David Halls pleaded no contest to unsafe handling of a firearm and was sentenced to six months’ probation.
A settlement agreement was reached in 2022 in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Helena Hutchins’ widower Matthew Hutchins and his son against Baldwin and other “Rust” producers.
But Hutchins’ parents and younger sister are still seeking damages and compensation from Baldwin and “Rust” producers in New Mexico civil court. Those claims could result in Baldwin testifying under oath in November, according to recent court documents.
Baldwin’s tort claim
The allegations in Baldwin’s tort claim include defamation, with his lawyers saying prosecutors and investigators targeted the actor and co-producer for professional or political gain.
The defendants say this is a matter for federal authorities to resolve under the Constitution and other US laws.
Baldwin’s suit for damages initially proceeded with little activity. It was dismissed in July, only to be reinstated in September at Baldwin’s request. Baldwin’s attorneys say they have contacted state and county officials about the possibility of a settlement.
Baldwin’s prosecutors and an attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.