Special counsel makes ‘difficult decision’ to leave Alec Baldwin case

The Special Prosecutor, who is also a state legislator, is stepping down from his role in the manslaughter case of actor Alec Baldwin following the death of a cameraman on a New Mexico film set.

In February, Baldwin’s legal team sought to disqualify Special Prosecutor and Republican State Representative Andrea Rib of Clovis on the grounds of constitutional provisions that guarantee separation of powers between separate branches of government.

In a statement on Tuesday, Reeb said she “will not let questions about my work as a legislator and prosecutor overshadow the real issue.”

“It became clear that the best way to ensure justice in this case was to resign so the prosecution could focus on evidence and facts,” Reeb said.

District Attorney Mary Carmack-Oltwis filed a notice with the state district court and declined to comment further.

Baldwin and weapons inspector Hannah Gutierrez-Reid pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter of the cameraman. Galina Hutchins.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and fines.

Hutchins died shortly after being shot on October 21, 2021 during rehearsals Western film “Rust” on a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe.

Baldwin pointed the gun at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and injuring director Joel Souza.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May to decide if there is enough evidence to start a trial.

Prosecutors say assistant director David Halls, who oversaw safety on set, signed plea agreement in the careless use of deadly weapons.

In her role as a legislator, Reeb has sponsored several criminal justice initiatives, including tougher penalties for gun violations.

The Clovis Republican abstained from voting on public spending to hold Baldwin and Gutiérrez-Reed accountable.

In February, she was exempted from participating in a vote in the House of Representatives on a proposed state budget that includes $360,000 in special legal fees in connection with the fatal on-set shooting.

The Western Journal reviewed this Associated Press article and may have revised it prior to publication to meet our editorial standards.