Alec Baldwin Cleared in "Rust" Set Shooting Case

Actor Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial in the "Rust" set shooting case ended and he walked free.

A New Mexico judge dismissed charges, agreeing with Baldwin's lawyers that prosecutors and police withheld evidence on the source of the live round that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.

Prosecutors allege Baldwin played a role in the death of Hutchins because he handled the gun - a Colt.45 revolver - irresponsibly.

But several developments upended their case.

The actor's lawyers alleged the prosecution received ammunition in March, which resembled live rounds that were fired on set, but the prosecution failed to list them in the "Rust" investigation file, or turn them over to the defense team.

Under questioning by the judge a corporal from the sheriff's office said lead state prosecutor Kari Morrisey took part in the decision to put the ammunition into a separate case file number.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer blasted the state's handling of the evidence.

"The case agent, as well as pursuant to Hancock's testimony, Ms Morrisey, was aware of the new evidence and yet did not make an effort to disclose it to defense. The state's willful withholding of this information was intentional and deliberate. If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith, it certainly comes so near to bad faith as to show signs of scorching."

Baldwin left court without speaking to reporters. His case has been dismissed with prejudice - meaning it can't be brought against him again.

It ends an unprecedented criminal prosecution against an actor for an on-set shooting.

Missteps hounded prosecutors since first filing charges 18 months ago, and four prosecutors have quit or were forced to step down - the latest being Erlinda Johnson, who resigned.

It's unclear whether the dismissal of his case would affect the conviction of "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez, which is under appeal.