Santa Fe, New Mexico — SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A lawsuit filed by actor Alec Baldwin alleging malicious prosecution in the 2021 fatal shooting of a cinematographer during the filming of the Western film “Rust” has been moved to federal court by defendants.
Baldwin initially filed the lawsuit in state court in January, alleging a civil rights violation and seeking damages Manslaughter charge The case against the actor was dismissed at trial in 2024 based on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense.
A motion to transfer the malicious prosecution case to federal court was filed Monday by the defendants – Special Prosecutor Carrie Morrissey and Santa Fe County Attorney Mary Carmack Altwiss, along with three investigators from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and the County Board of Commissioners.
The court’s relocation raises the stakes in Baldwin’s years-long conflict with New Mexico authorities. Here are some things to know.
Baldwin was the lead actor and co-producer of “Rust.” He points a gun at cinematographer Halina Hutchins It was during rehearsal for a movie being filmed outside Santa Fe in October 2021 when the gun went off, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Baldwin said he pulled the hammer — but not the trigger — and the gun fired.
A few people testified at Baldwin’s trial in July before it was turned upside down after it was revealed that ammunition was brought into the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in March 2024 by a man who said it might be linked to Hutchins’ killing.
Prosecutors said they considered the ammunition irrelevant and unimportant, while Baldwin’s lawyers say investigators “buried” the evidence in a separate case file and filed a successful motion to dismiss. A judge dismissed the charge against Baldwin and later denied a request from prosecutors to reconsider.
“rust” Film weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez Reid He served a year-and-a-half prison sentence for manslaughter in Hutchins’ death in a jury trial. An appeal has been launched against the conviction before a higher court.
“Rust” assistant director David Holz pleaded no contest to unsafe handling of a firearm and was sentenced to six months probation.
A settlement agreement was reached in 2022 in a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and other “Rust” producers by Matthew Hutchins, Halina Hutchins’ widower, and their son.
But Hutchins’ parents and younger sister are still seeking damages and damages from Baldwin’s producers and “Rest” in a civil court in New Mexico. These claims could lead to Baldwin’s sworn statement in November, according to recent court documents.
The allegations in Baldwin’s tort suit include defamation, with his lawyers saying prosecutors and investigators targeted the actor and co-producer for professional or political gain.
The defendants say it is up to the federal authorities to resolve this matter under the provisions of the Constitution and other US laws.
Baldwin’s lawsuit for damages initially remained inactive. It was rejected in July, only to be reinstated in September at Baldwin’s request. Baldwin’s attorneys say they have contacted state and county officials about the possibilities of a settlement.
Prosecutors and Baldwin’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.