Santa Fe D.A. Stands by ‘Rust’ Prosecutor Kari Morrissey Following Dismissal of Alec Baldwin Case
Entertainment | July 15, 2024, 8:04 p.m.
The District Attorney of Santa Fe has reinforced her support for "Rust" prosecutor Kari Morrissey, despite the dismissal of the manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin due to withheld evidence. Morrissey continues to prosecute Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the "Rust" armorer convicted of manslaughter. The defense argues evidence was also concealed in Gutierrez Reed's case. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the Baldwin case with prejudice after bullets were withheld from the defense. Second prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson resigned during the hearing over disagreements with Morrissey. An expert report on Baldwin's gun and FBI testing discrepancies have surfaced, causing Gutierrez Reed's lawyer to seek a new trial. Morrissey claims the reports weren't critical. However, if the toolmark evidence had been disclosed, Gutierrez Reed's defense strategy may have changed. Allegations related to the bullet evidence are forthcoming.