Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ prosecutor Andrea Reeb steps down

OAN Brooke Mallory
UPDATED 2:34 PM – Wednesday, March 15, 2023

New Mexico special prosecutor in Alec Baldwin’s “Rust” Andrea Reeb, prosecutor in the case, resigned Tuesday saying she couldn’t accept questions about her dual position as legislator and prosecutor, to distract from the cases’ issues.

Baldwin’s lawyers filed a Motion Reeb requested to be disqualified because of her twofold position and because she previously dropped an enhancement for firearms that carried a five years prison term. She had admitted via email that she had not applied the law correctly.

New Mexico’s Constitution clearly states that individuals cannot hold a position in any one branch of government and simultaneously enforce the powers of another.  

Reeb is also a Republican State House of Representatives member, which probably instilled fear among Baldwin about his case as a outspoken Democrat with a history of condemning conservative policies and the GOP.

This is another setback in the prosecution of Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez Reed, both of whom are accused of involuntary murder in the October 2021 death of Halyna Hutchins, a cinematographer.

“After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down as special prosecutor in the ‘Rust’ case… My priority in this case and in every case I’ve prosecuted in my 25-year career — has been justice for the victim,” Andrea Reeb made the statement.

Reeb’s sudden decision to withdraw herself from the contest comes after several weeks of resistance by her and Mary Carmack-Altwies (First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack–Altwies), who had appointed Reeb at the beginning.

“It has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts, which clearly show a complete disregard for basic safety protocols that led to the death of Halyna Hutchins,” Reeb added.

It is not clear if District Attorney Carmack Altwies will assume the case or appoint a special prosecutor. The First Judicial District Attorney’s office did not respond to a request for any further comments.

Baldwin, lead actor and producer “Rust,” Gutierrez – Reed, the original armorer for the film is facing two counts for involuntary killing. This would lead to two 18-month sentences for each individual.

David Halls, the original assistant director, agreed to a plea deal for negligent use of deadly weapon. This led to a suspended sentence with six months probation.

“Rust” Baldwin and producers are also facing a civil suit, which was initiated on February 9th.^Th By Halyna Hutchins, her parents and sister.

Baldwin’s lawyers insisted that the gun Alec used for the accidental murder of Hutchins had been destroyed by the investigators at the status hearing last week.

Prosecutors disputed their assertion, noting that the gun had suffered only minor internal damage during the FBI investigation but that it was otherwise in good condition.

Carmack-Altwies hired Heather Brewer as a spokesperson, whose sole responsibility was to answer any media questions about the event. “Rust” film.

Brewer was accused in making demeaning comments about Baldwin, his defense team, and himself.

She called them a “celebrity with fancy lawyers,” Some attorneys found this unprofessional.

“Prosecutors have to walk a very fine line between what you can say publicly…You don’t want to be accused of poisoning the jury pool ahead of time. And that certainly could be an issue here,” New Mexico lawyer John Day noted.

Filming on the movie will continue in spring.

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