Andrea Reeb steps down from Alec Baldwin manslaughter case

Alec Baldwin stands accused of the involuntary manslaughter of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins (top right) on the set of “Rust” (bottom right).

Alec Baldwin’s special prosecutor resigned from her position on Tuesday evening, citing “questions” about her role as a New Mexico lawmaker that became the subject of a disqualification motion from the actor.

“After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down as special prosecutor in the ‘Rust’ case,” Andrea Reeb said in a statement. “My priority in this case—and in every case I’ve prosecuted in my 25-year career—has been justice for the victim. However, it has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts, which clearly show a complete disregard for basic safety protocols led to the death of Halyna Hutchins. I will not allow questions about my serving as a legislator and prosecutor to cloud the real issue at hand.”

With the announcement, Baldwin has succeeded in the first two pretrial motions that he submitted. His first motion described the so-called firearm enhancement to his manslaughter charge as unconstitutional, because the statute was amended after the October 2021 shooting. Prosecutors subsequently dropped that charge. Baldwin’s second motion argued Reeb’s then-dual role as a special prosecutor and a state Republican lawmaker violated New Mexico’s constitution.