Prosecutors in the “Rust” shooting case against Alec Baldwin have responded to his attorney's request to dismiss the indictment.
SANTA FE, N.M. — Prosecutors in the “Rust” shooting case against Alec Baldwin have responded to his attorney's request to dismiss his indictment.
Baldwin's attorneys claim the state gave the grand jury incorrect instructions and “one-sided testimony.” They also claimed that not all of the evidence was presented to the grand jury because the hearing was expedited.
Prosecutors said all the evidence meant the hearing lasted a day and a half, longer than most grand jury hearings. They also said they offered Baldwin “a very favorable plea agreement,” similar to what David Holz received.
However, they said they canceled it after they discovered that Baldwin intended to accept the deal and create a documentary that would include interviews with witnesses to the case.
Before the grand jury hearing, prosecutors allege the defense gave NBC News an edited version of the video presented to the grand jury. They claim this happened the night before they heard Baldwin painted in a better light.
Prosecutors alleged that Baldwin was “screaming and cursing repeatedly” during filming. They said this behavior led to the shooting.
“Watching Mr. Baldwin's behavior during the filming of 'Rust' is like watching a man who has absolutely no control over his emotions and absolutely no care for how his behavior affects those around him. Witnesses testified that it was this behavior that contributed to the safety settlements at Photography site.
Prosecutors also said they offered his witness an opportunity to speak. However, the grand jury declined, and Baldwin was instead charged with manslaughter.
Baldwin's trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on July 10.
