Special prosecutor resigns in Alec Baldwin trial

A special prosecutor-turned-legislator resigns from her role in the manslaughter trial of actor Alec Baldwin in the death of a cameraman on a New Mexico movie set.

Baldwin’s legal team tried in February to disqualify special prosecutor and Republican Rep. Andrea Reeb from Clovis under constitutional provisions that ensure the separation of powers between different branches of government.

Reeb said in a statement Tuesday that she “will not allow questions about my work as a legislator and prosecutor to obscure the real issue.”

“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 the facts,” Reeb said.

District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies filed a complaint with the state district court and declined further comment.

Baldwin and weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges in the shooting death of camerawoman Halyna Hutchins. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and fines.

Hutchins died shortly after being wounded on October 21, 2021 during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Baldwin pointed a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled to decide in May whether the evidence is sufficient for a trial.

Prosecutors say assistant director David Halls, who oversaw security on set, signed an agreement to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon.

In her role as lawmaker, Reeb has sponsored several criminal justice initiatives, including increased penalties for firearms violations.

The Clovis Republican avoided voting on public spending to prosecute Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.

She was pardoned by a vote in the House of Representatives in February on a proposed state budget that includes $360,000 for special prosecution costs in the deadly film set shooting.