D.A. Steps Down In Alec Baldwin Case: Special Prosecutor Likely To Follow

Photo edit of Alec Baldwin on the scene of "Rust." Credit: Alexander J. Williams III/Popacta.
Photo edit of Alec Baldwin on the scene of "Rust." Credit: Alexander J. Williams III/Popacta.

District Attorney Steps Down in Alec Baldwin Case, Clearing Way for Special Prosecutors

The Santa Fe District Attorney, Mary Carmack-Altwies, has stepped down from the case of actor Alec Baldwin, who was charged in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust.” She appointed New Mexico attorneys Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis to take over the case. This comes after Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that a special prosecutor could not be appointed unless the District Attorney’s office planned to recuse itself entirely.

Former Special Prosecutor Steps Down

This news comes two weeks after former Special Prosecutor Andrea Reeb stepped down from the case due to a conflict. Reeb was initially appointed to investigate the case, but she was then elected to the New Mexico State House, creating a conflict of interest. Lawyers for Baldwin had moved to disqualify her, claiming that her continued involvement as a prosecutor would allow her to exercise power in both the state legislature and the state judiciary, writing:

“Doing so vests two core powers of different branches — legislating and prosecuting — in the same person and is thus barred by the plain language of Article III of the New Mexico Constitution.”

The Pursuit of Justice

Carmack-Altwies appointed Morrissey and Lewis to “unflinchingly pursue justice” in the case of Halyna Hutchins. Reeb also expressed her commitment to justice for the victim in her statement confirming her decision to step down, writing:

“My priority in this case — and in every case I’ve prosecuted in my 25-year career — has been justice for the victim,”

“However, it has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts, which clearly show a complete disregard for basic safety protocols led to the death of Halyna Hutchins.”

Both prosecutors have emphasized their dedication to finding the truth behind the death of Hutchins and ensuring that justice is served.

The appointment of Morrissey and Lewis as special prosecutors in the Alec Baldwin case marks a new phase in the pursuit of justice for Halyna Hutchins. The decision of Carmack-Altwies to step down and appoint new prosecutors came after a ruling from Judge Sommer, which highlighted the need for a complete recusal of the District Attorney’s office. The Baldwin case remains under close scrutiny, and the new prosecutors are expected to continue the investigation with the utmost diligence and impartiality.


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