What the ‘Rust’ Trial Says About the Case Against Alec Baldwin
New York TimesMar 03
Alec Baldwin's Rust Trial Dismissed Over Hidden Evidence
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The Facts
The involuntary manslaughter charge against actor Alec Baldwin has been dismissed on the grounds that prosecutors and law enforcement hid evidence that could have been favorable to his defense.
Baldwin faced up to 18 months in prison after a gun he used on the "Rust" movie set fired a live round and killed its cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza in 2021.
The Spin
Narrative A
This outcome is disappointing. From the beginning, Baldwin has been secretive and unrepentant. He has not expressed any remorse for the death of Hutchins, even if it was just a tragic accident. Unfortunately, Hutchins' family will not get the justice they deserve for her death.
Narrative B
The prosecution deliberately withheld evidence. This prevented the trial from being fair and made it necessary for the charges to be dismissed. This is a win for Baldwin, who has been unfairly hounded for his role in this unfortunate incident.