There has been a development in Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter case which appears to work in the actor’s favor.
The special prosecutor assigned to Baldwin’s case, Andrea Reeb, has opted to step down from trying the case, following the actor’s legal team challenging her involvement as a violation of the New Mexico constitution, because Reeb serves as a state legislator, according to a statement she issued to TMZ.
Baldwin stands accused of allegedly discharging a firearm and fatally wounding cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of his film Rust, to which the actor has pleaded not guilty. Reeb’s statement to TMZ is as follows:
“After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down as special prosecutor in the ‘Rust’ case. 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. I will not allow questions about my serving as a legislator and prosecutor to cloud the real issue at hand.”
It would appear, then, that Baldwin and his legal team have gotten exactly what they wanted as the case unfolds. Last month, the actor claimed that the criminal charges levied against him are a “basic legal error.”
Amidst the controversies and ongoing legal action, Baldwin and the production team behind Rust reportedly intend to resume production on the ill-fated film some time this spring.