‘Rust’ Prosecutor Steps Down After Baldwin Challenges Appointment

“After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down as special prosecutor in the ‘Rust’ case,” Ms. Reeb, a former district attorney, said in a statement on Tuesday. “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.”

A spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office, Heather Brewer, declined to comment on whether a new special prosecutor would be appointed.

In court papers filed last month, lawyers for Mr. Baldwin argued that Ms. Reeb’s serving as both a legislator and a prosecutor was unlawful because it combined “two core powers of different branches — legislating and prosecuting — in the same person and is thus barred by the plain language of Article III of the New Mexico Constitution.”

Mr. Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty, has asserted that he was not responsible for the shooting, saying he had no reason to believe that live rounds were on the set of “Rust,” a western being filmed outside of Santa Fe. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer who handled weapons and ammunition on the set at the time, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter. Her lawyer has said she would plead not guilty.