Alec Baldwin’s attorneys have lambasted the prosecution in the involuntary manslaughter case against him, alleging “a stunning abuse of prosecutorial power” in their efforts to bring the actor to trial. The legal team, led by Luke Nikas, has submitted new documents in support of their motion to dismiss the indictment, which was filed in March. Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film “Rust” in October 2021.
In their latest motion, Nikas and his colleagues argue that the prosecution’s reasoning for pursuing an indictment against Baldwin is “completely divorced from the public interest” and reflects a misuse of their authority. They contend that the prosecution’s response to Baldwin’s initial motion to dismiss was largely irrelevant and contained false and unsubstantiated claims.
The motion also disputes the prosecution’s assertion that Baldwin commissioned a documentary about “Rust” and attempted to interview witnesses. Baldwin’s lawyers maintain that this information is incorrect and that the actor never authorized such a project.
The prosecution, led by Kari Morrissey, has yet to comment on Baldwin’s latest legal filings. However, in their initial response to Baldwin’s motion to dismiss, the prosecution accused his lawyers of misleading the court and insisted that Baldwin should stand trial for his role in Hutchins’ death.
The legal battle over Baldwin’s role in the “Rust” shooting is expected to continue in the coming months. The actor is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on July 24th.
