In a stunning turn of events, actor Alec Baldwin walked out of a Santa Fe courtroom unscathed as Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against him for the tragic shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust" in 2021. The swift unraveling of the case unfolded on Friday, involving a lead prosecutor taking the stand.

Facing the prospect of up to 18 months in prison, Baldwin's tears flowed as Judge Marlowe Sommer ruled that the prosecution had intentionally and deliberately withheld crucial information from the defense. Hugs and relief filled the courtroom as Baldwin embraced his wife, Hilaria, before leaving to celebrate at the Eldorado Hotel and Spa.

The fourth day of the trial began with defense attorney Luke Nikas accusing the prosecution of concealing evidence that live ammunition found on set, resulting in Hutchins' death, may have originated from prop supplier Seth Kenney. These grave allegations prompted Baldwin's lead prosecutor, Kari Morrissey, to face mounting pressure to drop the case before Friday's proceedings.

Special prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson, feeling deeply troubled by the withheld evidence, unexpectedly resigned just before the hearing to dismiss the case. She expressed her frustration, telling Fox News Digital that she believed in complete transparency for the system to work effectively.

The crucial evidence in question emerged following armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed's conviction in March for the same charge Baldwin was initially facing. Gutierrez Reed had inadvertently loaded a live round into the revolver Baldwin discharged on October 21, 2021, tragically killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.

Retired police officer Troy Teske, a family friend of Gutierrez Reed's father, brought forth a collection of rounds that he claimed came from Seth Kenney and matched the fatal bullet. Shockingly, it was revealed during the hearing that Teske was never interviewed, and Morrissey, in collaboration with lead investigators, chose not to include the evidence in the official "Rust" file but rather under a different case number.

The failure to disclose this critical information to the defense ultimately became a pivotal factor in the judge's decision to dismiss the charges against Baldwin. The lack of transparency and failure to share evidence undermined the integrity of the trial.

Judge Marlowe Sommer raised questions during the hearing, probing lead investigator Cpl. Alexandra Hancock about the decision to place the evidence in a separate file, separate from the main case.

With the case now dismissed, Baldwin can breathe a sigh of relief, his potential prison sentence averted. However, this high-profile trial has shed light on the importance of transparency and fairness in the criminal justice system, leaving many anxiously wondering how such a crucial oversight could have occurred.

As the fallout from this shocking development continues, the legal community and the public now turn their attention to the implications this case may have on future trials, as well as the urgent need to uphold transparency and accountability within the justice system.