Alec Baldwin's manslaughter trial has been canceled!

The actor is free. He will never be found criminally guilty of the death of Halyna Hutchins, on the set of Rust.

Alec Baldwin broke down in tears as Judge Marlowe Sommer of Santa Fe, New Mexico, delivered the verdict. The 64-year-old actor, who was indicted earlier this year in the fatal shooting that killed Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rustwill not be found guilty in criminal proceedings (via Variety).

The manslaughter case was dismissed after the judge castigated prosecutors for failing to provide the defense with a supply of bullets. Faced with this procedural flaw, Sommer dismissed the case, saying no other punishment was sufficient.The State is highly culpable for its failure to provide information to the accused. A mistrial with prejudice is warranted” she said.

Marlowe Sommer ruled that under the principle of double jeopardy, Baldwin could not be retried and expressed dismay at the prosecution's failures.If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith, it certainly comes close to it…”

Alec Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, were in tears. They left the courthouse without a word to the media.

Alec Baldwin was on trial for shooting the film's director of photography Ruston set in 2021. Halyna Hutchins died while the gun, which was supposed to be loaded with blanks, contained real bullets.

Despite this judgment, Alec Baldwin may not be quite done with the law. He could face another civil trial. He would not face jail time, but he would have to pay damages. Brian J. Panish, the lawyer representing the widower of Halyna Hutchinssaid in a statement : “We respect the court's decision, but we look forward to presenting all of the evidence to a jury to hold Mr. Baldwin accountable for his actions in the senseless death of Halyna Hutchins.”