The Fallout From Alec Baldwin’s Botched Criminal Trial

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Just three days into his criminal trial, Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case for the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was dismissed by a Santa Fe judge citing the ‘state’s discovery violation,’ also known as a ‘Brady violation.’ The rule isn’t new, but it’s shining a spotlight on the issue of withholding evidence in the criminal justice system.

‘Rust’ movie armorer, Hannah Gutierrez is now seeking a dismissal for her involuntary manslaughter conviction. So how did the prosecution’s case unravel so quickly? And what could this mean for other criminal cases?

This week on the New Mexico News Podcast, longtime criminal defense attorney and President of the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Jenn Burrill, joins Gabby to discuss the case. Burrill provides an analysis of the trial and explains why the withheld ammunition was so crucial.

Burrill also breaks down some shocking moments in the courtroom, including when the prosecutor, Kari Morrissey, called herself to the witness stand.

“I’ve never in 20 years seen a prosecutor take the stand in their own case,” said Burrill. “It’s highly unusual. Plus, I’m not sure that she could move forward with prosecuting this case when she made herself a witness.”

Listen to the full trial analysis in the discussion above.

Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Podcast every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Podbean among others. The podcast is also now available in a video version on KRQE’s YouTube page.

Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term “KRQE” or “New Mexico News Podcast” (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post.

If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email the hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com.

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