The Alec Baldwin “Rust” case lurches forward despite many setbacks for the prosecution.
Now New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies finally got the budget and ok to hire special prosecutors. Carmack-Altwies will now step down from the case. The new prosecutors are described as long-time New Mexico attorneys Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis. The press statement says “Morrissey’s and Lewis’ extensive experience and trial expertise will allow the state to pursue justice for Halyna Hutchins and ensure that in New Mexico everyone is held accountable under the law. “
Carmack-Altweis had been complaining that she didn’t have the resources to handle the case properly and had been turned down when she asked for help. Two days ago she argued that a new special prosecutor was necessary as her office was suffering from staffing shortages. They’d already received $360,000 from the New Mexico state legislature earmarked specifically for forensic investigation and outside counsel related to the “Rust” case.
That request was denied by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, who said that the DA’s office had to either prosecute the “Rust” case itself or delegate it to a special prosecutor and recuse itself completely from the case.
“You cannot use [a special prosecutor] unless you’re not going to prosecute,” the judge said. You may not co-counsel …you stay the course and not use a special prosecutor and prosecuted on your own. It’s an either or.”
The press statement reads: “With the appointment of new special prosecutors, Carmack-Altwies will step aside from personally prosecuting the ‘Rust’ case, allowing her to focus on the broader public safety needs in New Mexico’s First Judicial District. Carmack-Altwies will continue her record of prosecuting drunken drivers, collaborating with local law enforcement, increasing diversion efforts and securing convictions against the most dangerous and prolific offenders.”
