Alec Baldwin Sues Prosecutors For Malicious Prosecution ‘Rust’ Case Over Death Of Halyna Hutchins

In a civil complaint, controversial actor Alec Baldwin has filed a “malicious” prosecution lawsuit against the prosecutors who charged him with manslaughter six months prior.

In October 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died on the set of Rust when Baldwin mistakenly fired what he thought was a prop gun. Director Joel Souza was injured in the incident. The tragedy resulted in a major debate over whether Baldwin was to blame for unknowingly acting irresponsibly with the prop.

Baldwin was indicted in January 2024, and the charge was dismissed in July 2024. In December 2024, prosecutors dropped their notice to appeal the dismissal.

Baldwin is suing First Judicial District Attorney officials, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office authorities and Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners for “malicious abuse of the process, intentional spoliation of evidence, defamation, and violation of the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.”

Baldwin seeks punitive damages “to the fullest extent permitted by law,” as the defendants “were motivated by evil motive or intent and involved a reckless or callous indifference to Baldwin’s constitutionally protected rights.” 

He also wants a trial by jury and “general and/or compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial for all injuries suffered,” attorney fees, and related costs required by the case.

The defendants Baldwin is suing include special prosecutor Kari Morrisey and District Attorney Mary Camack-Altwies. Baldwin alleged that Morrisey gave “inconsistent” testimony on the evidence, which she supposedly concealed, and Camack-Altwies implied Baldwin was to blame for Hutchins’ death in a 2023 interview with CNN, saying he “had a duty to make sure the set was safe.”

In a statement, Baldwin’s attorneys declared, “Criminal prosecutions are supposed to be about the search for truth and justice, not to pursue personal or political gain or harass the innocent…We bring this action to hold the defendants accountable for their misconduct and to prevent them from doing this to anyone else.”

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was in charge of weapon props on Rust, said she was unaware she had brought and used live ammunition for the prop gun. She was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served 18 months in prison. The first assistant director, David Halls, was also charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon and accepted a plea bargain in March 2023.

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