Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

1minutes read. Updated 12:00AM GMT Thurs, 5 July, 2024

New Mexico judge has rejected Alec Baldwin’s latest efforts to dismiss his upcoming trial linked to the tragic shooting incident on the set of the film “Rust” in 2021. The judge’s ruling comes amidst allegations from Baldwin’s legal team regarding mishandling of crucial evidence by prosecutors, setting the stage for the trial to commence next week.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed two critical motions filed by Baldwin’s defense last week, asserting that prosecutors did not adequately disclose evidence related to the firearm involved in the incident. These motions argued that such actions significantly impacted Baldwin’s trial preparation and amounted to what the defense described as a “trial by ambush,” alleging delayed disclosure of thousands of evidence files shortly before trial.

Moreover, Baldwin’s defense had previously sought to exclude testimony from two prosecution firearms experts, a request that Judge Marlowe Sommer has temporarily deferred pending further trial proceedings.

This latest legal setback follows multiple unsuccessful attempts by Baldwin’s legal team to dismiss the indictment, including claims of evidence destruction and the defense’s contention that the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was an accidental occurrence.

Jury selection for Alec Baldwin’s trial is now scheduled to begin next Tuesday in Santa Fe, marking a critical juncture in this high-profile case that has captured international attention.