The manslaughter trial on the set of Rust has not yet begun, but Alec Baldwin has won a small victory. The actor's lawyers, accused of being responsible for the death of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer of the western, had argued that the special prosecutor appointed to assist the district prosecutor was in conflict of interest and demanded his removal. Request accepted: Andrea Reeb will not argue against the star.



Halyna Hutchins died on set, injured by a live bullet coming out of the revolver held by Alec Baldwin and which must have contained only blank bullets. The shot also hit the director, Joel Souza, during this rehearsal that turned tragic and suspended production.

Judge and party

The district attorney of New Mexico, where the case is being tried, Mary Carmack-Altwies, had appointed Andrea Reeb to plead together against the actor. However, the special prosecutor has also been elected, in the meantime, to the House of Representatives, which is one of the organs of the US legislative branch. Alec Baldwin's lawyers have therefore asked for his withdrawal from the case, Andrea Reeb having become judge and party. An imbalance increased by the fact that she was elected for the Republican Party, while their client has never hidden being a Democrat and has regularly been the target of attacks from Donald Trump and his allies.

"My priority in this case – and in every case I have argued in my twenty-five-year career – has always been justice for the victim. However, it has become clear that the best way for me to ensure justice is served in this case is to withdraw, so that the proceedings focus on the evidence and facts, which clearly show a disregard for basic safety protocols, which led to the death of Halyna Hutchins." the special prosecutor said in a statement relayed by ET Online.

Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. He faces eighteen months in prison and a $5,000 fine (as does gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who faces the same charge) if convicted. Preliminary hearings are scheduled to begin on May 3.

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