Prosecution Alleges Alec Baldwin's Lack of Emotional Control and Changing Statements in Rust Shooting Trial
ICARO Media Group
In a recent development in the case against Alec Baldwin for the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust," prosecutors have filed a detailed 32-page document outlining their allegations against the actor. The prosecution plans to argue that Baldwin's inability to control his emotions, along with his "shameless lies" and changing statements after the incident, contributed to the tragic accident.
According to prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Baldwin's behavior on the set of "Rust" was marked by outbursts, curses, and screams towards himself and others, often for no apparent reason. Morrissey claims that this behavior led to safety failures and compromises on set. "To witness Mr. Baldwin's conduct on the set of 'Rust' is to witness a man who has absolutely no control over his own emotions and no concern for how his behavior affects those around him," wrote Morrissey.
Additionally, the prosecutor argued that Baldwin constructed a false narrative to deflect responsibility onto others following the shooting. Baldwin initially claimed that he did not pull the trigger of the gun, a claim described as "absurd on its face" by the prosecution. Morrissey pointed out that Baldwin did not make this claim during his initial police interview but only offered it over a month later in an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos. Baldwin also stated in the Stephanopoulos interview that he pointed the gun at Hutchins only after she instructed him to, another claim not mentioned during his police interview. The prosecutor argued that Baldwin's changing statements effectively blamed Hutchins for her own death.
Baldwin's defense team previously filed a motion to dismiss the indictment, citing prosecutorial abuses. In response, Morrissey accused the defense of "countless lies and manipulation" and described personal attacks directed at her and co-counsel Jason Lewis.
Morrissey and Lewis took over the case in March 2023 after original special prosecutor D.A. Mary Carmack-Altwies faced criticism for charging Baldwin in January 2023. Morrissey later withdrew felony charges against Baldwin, offered a misdemeanor plea deal, but ultimately opted to indict him on a felony charge carrying a maximum prison term of 18 months.
The prosecutor detailed her initial decision to drop the felony charges and offer a plea deal, as well as her change of heart. Morrissey described a meeting with Baldwin's defense team, during which they presented a PowerPoint arguing against the manslaughter charge. They claimed that Baldwin was merely a creative producer on set and that the gun had been modified to make it more prone to accidentally firing. Although the defense influenced the prosecutors to drop the charge pending further gun testing, subsequent forensic examination determined that the trigger had to be pulled for the gun to fire.
Prosecutors did offer Baldwin the same terms as another crew member, Dave Halls, who received unsupervised probation and no jail time after pleading to negligent handling of a deadly weapon. However, Morrissey emphasized that prosecutors are not obligated to treat defendants similarly. She made the offer with the intention of ensuring fairness between similarly situated defendants.
Baldwin's defense team allegedly planned to accept the plea deal while launching a media campaign to downplay his culpability. They also intended to file a civil complaint against the original prosecutors and the state of New Mexico. Additionally, it was revealed that Baldwin was pressuring witnesses to participate in a documentary about Hutchins, prompting the rescinding of the plea offer and the decision to present the case to a grand jury.
The defense has raised various procedural and legal concerns regarding the indictment, including claims that grand jurors were not adequately informed of their ability to hear from defense witnesses who could testify about Baldwin's role in checking the gun for live bullets.
Baldwin is expected to stand trial in July in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the prosecution will present their case against him for involuntary manslaughter.
Note: The details included in the article are solely based on the information provided and do not imply the guilt or innocence of any individual involved in the case.