Alec Baldwin Files Motion To Remove Prosecutor From ‘Rust’ Case

Alec Baldwin made headlines in 2021 following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. He claimed to have accidentally shot and killed her while on set. He allegedly fired a prop gun that killed the cinematographer. Alec and Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were both charged with involuntary manslaughter in Halyna’s death. Alec Baldwin is now seeking to have Andrea Reeb, the special prosecutor removed from the case.

With a court date later this month, Baldwin’s attorneys want Reeb removed from the case. According to CNN, Baldwin’s attorneys filed a motion to disqualify special prosecutor Andrea Reeb on Tuesday, February 7. According to the records filed in New Mexico’s First Judicial Court, Reeb’s involvement in the case is “unconstitutional” under New Mexico law owing to her position in the House of Representatives.

The special prosecutor in this case, Andrea Reeb, is a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives. Under Section 1 of Article III of the New Mexico Constitution, however, a sitting member of the Legislature may not ‘exercise any powers properly belonging’ to either the executive or judicial branch.

Ms. Reeb’s continued service as a special prosecutor in this case is unconstitutional. The legal question is not a close one. She must be disqualified.

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This news comes only one day after first assistant director David Halls was added to the list of witnesses which currently includes over forty people. David pled guilty to negligent use of a weapon and has a plea conference set for early March. According to Deadline, Santa Fe District Attorney, Mary Carmack-Altwies wasted no time gathering a long list of ‘Rust’ cast members to testify against Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.

Among these people are director Joel Souza, script supervisor Maime Mitchell, armourer mentor Seth Kenney, and prop master Sarah Zachry. The DA’s list of witnesses also includes FBI forensics examiners and employees of the Bureau’s Explosives Unit who were involved in the investigation. Former “Rust” camera assistant Lane Luper and gaffer Serge Svetnoy, both of whom have been vocal in the aftermath of Hutchins’ death, are also on the witness list.

Less than a month after the shooting, former “Rust” first camera assistant Lane Luper spoke out about the gun safety problems he saw on set in an ABC News exclusive. Due to these difficulties he quit his position just before the tragic shooting. Luper explained the various factors that contributed to his resignation during the interview.

When asked about safety meetings Luper stated that he personally only remembers two safety meetings that took place with the entire crew. Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed may face up to five years in jail if convicted. Let’s wait and see what happens. Keep an eye on Thirsty for the most latest updates.

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