Special Prosecutor Steps Down: What Happened in the Alec Baldwin Case?

A New Mexico state legislator and special prosecutor, Andrea Reeb of Clovis, is no longer part of the manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin. Baldwin’s lawyers argued that it was unconstitutional for one person to do both jobs at the same time.

Reeb said on Tuesday that she will not focus on her role as a legislator and prosecutor, but rather ensure justice is served in this case. To do so, she believes the best course of action is to step down so that prosecutors can direct their attention solely to the evidence. District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies has officially filed a notification in state court, though no comment was made otherwise.

Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have said they are not guilty of doing something wrong when Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed. If found guilty, they could go to prison for up to 18 months or be made to pay a fine.

On October 21, 2021, something went wrong while filming the movie, “Rust” at a ranch near Santa Fe. Actress Hutchins was shot and killed by Baldwin while Director Souza was also hurt in the accident. In May of this year, there will be a hearing to decide if there is enough evidence to go on with a trial.

Prosecutors report that David Halls, who was responsible for safety on set, agreed to accept punishment for the illegal use of a dangerous weapon. Reeb, a Republican from Clovis, has been trying to make stronger laws to punish people who do not follow gun rules. She has also stayed away from dedicating public funds to prosecute Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.

In February, she was allowed to not take part in a vote in the House of Representatives regarding a plan that included $360,000 to be spent on law enforcement relating to the death of someone on a movie set.