In a stunning turnaround for a case that has preoccupied Hollywood since the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021, Alec Baldwin’s “Rust” manslaughter trial was dismissed Friday after it emerged police and prosecutors deliberately withheld evidence — live bullets relevant to the case — from the defense team.
“The state’s discovery violation has injected a needless incurable delay into the jury trial. Dismissal with prejudice is warranted to ensure the integrity of the judicial system and the efficient administration of justice,” Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said Friday in granting the defense’s motion to dismiss. Being dismissed with prejudice, it cannot be re-tried.