A special prosecutor who also serves as a state legislator is stepping down from her role in the manslaughter case of actor Alec Baldwin following the death of a cinematographer on a New Mexico film set.
Baldwin’s legal team in February sought to disqualify special prosecutor and Republican state representative Andrea Reeb of Clovis under constitutional provisions that protect the separation of powers between different branches of government.
Reeb said in a Tuesday statement that she “will not let questions about my service as a legislator and prosecutor overshadow the real issue.”
“It has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice in this case is to step down so the prosecution can focus on the evidence and facts,” Reeb said.
District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies filed a notice with the state district court and declined to comment further.
Baldwin and weapons manager Hannah Gutierrez-Reed pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the death of operator Halyna Hutchins. The charges are punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine.
Hutchins died shortly after he was injured on October 21, 2021, during rehearsals at a ranch just outside Santa Fe. Baldwin was aiming a gun at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and injuring the director, Joel Souza.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May to decide if there is enough evidence to go to trial.
Prosecutors say assistant director David Halls, who oversaw security on set, signed a plea bargain pleading guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon.
In her role as a legislator, Reeb sponsored several criminal justice initiatives, including increased penalties for firearms violations.
The Clovis Republican avoided voting on public spending to prosecute Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.
She was exempted from a House vote in February on a proposed state budget that includes $360,000 for special prosecution expenses in a deadly shooting on a movie set.
