The closely watched special prosecutor for the ‘Rust’ case, Andrea Reeb, walks out.
The decision follows a motion filed by actor Alec Baldwin’s legal team demanding that Reeb be removed due to his conflicting roles.
Baldwin was charged earlier this year with manslaughter along with gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez Reed in connection with the fatal accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021 on the western film set of “Rust.”
Baldwin’s lawyers had argued that the New Mexico Constitution prevents Reeb, a state legislator, from simultaneously holding a position in the judicial or executive branch of government.
“It has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so the prosecution can focus on the evidence and facts, which clearly show complete disregard for basic security protocols that led to the death of Halyna Hutchins,” Reeb said in a statement. “I will not allow questions about my performance as a legislator and prosecutor to cloud the real issue at hand.”
The decision is the latest blow to the case brought by New Mexico against Baldwin over the shooting of Hutchins at a ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Documents confirming the resignation will be filed with the court, said Heather Brewer, a spokeswoman for Mary Carmack-Altwies, New Mexico’s first district attorney.
Last month, Baldwin’s lawyers managed to convince the courts to drop the charges against the actor. They argued that a “firearms enhancement” sentence carrying a mandatory prison sentence had been improperly collected.
Baldwin faces a possible 18 months in prison if convicted on the manslaughter charge.
Reeb, a former district attorney for eastern New Mexico, became part of the “Rust” prosecution team last summer during his campaign for a seat in the New Mexico legislature. The Republican was elected to her first term in November; she took over her role in the New Mexico legislature in . January 1.
Baldwin’s lawyers had argued that such a role could allow politics to influence the prosecution.
Times staff writer Meg James contributed to this report.
