Alec Baldwin cleared of charges in Halyna Hutchins murder case: the actor burst into tears after court's ruling

During a court hearing in New Mexico, USA, actor and producer Alec Baldwin was finally cleared of all charges in the murder of Ukrainian cameraman Halyna Hutchins. The star, who was facing 18 months in prison, burst into tears in court.

According to CNN, the judge dismissed the charges against Baldwin because prosecutors did not hand over the evidence - a box of bullets - to the defense, as required by law.

The actor's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the case because state investigators did not inform them of the existence of the evidence, which did not allow the defense to prepare properly.

The judge sent the jury home for the day and listened to the witnesses' testimony herself, after which she dismissed the charges against Baldwin. Moreover, the court ruled that the case cannot be reopened.

"The state's violation of the disclosure procedure resulted in an unnecessary, irreparable delay in the jury's consideration of the case. Dismissal with prejudice is justified to ensure the integrity of the judicial system," the judge said.

Hearing this, Alec Baldwin took off his glasses and began to wipe away tears of joy, then hugged his wife and lawyers.

What is known about the case

Cameraman Halyna Hutchins was shot dead on the set of the movie Rust on October 21, 2021. Baldwin was preparing for a scene in which he was supposed to point his revolver at the camera and fire, but the weapon turned out to be loaded, and the bullet hit the Ukrainian woman. Hutchins died after receiving a gunshot wound to the chest. The bullet also hit the director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her. The man was wounded but survived.

In April 2023, Alec Baldwin was acquitted of manslaughter charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins. However, it was reported at the time that they could be brought back if the investigation provided the necessary evidence. The prosecutor's office found it.

On March 6, 2024, a New Mexico jury found gunman Hannah Gutierrez Reed guilty of the involuntary manslaughter of the Ukrainian cameraman. She was responsible for Alec Baldwin's gun. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and the actor faced the same sentence.

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