New Mexico Prosecutor who handled Alec Baldwin case wins Democratic primary
Breaking News: Mary Carmack-Altwies, the New Mexico district attorney who prosecuted actor Alec Baldwin in the infamous 2021 fatal movie-set shooting case, emerged victorious in the Democratic primary challenger. The win secured her a spot to compete in the upcoming November general election.
With an impressive 62% of the vote as of Tuesday night, Carmack-Altwies bested her opponent and former boss, Marco Serna, who received 38% of the vote. Serving in New Mexico’s heavily Democratic First Judicial District, which includes Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos Counties, Carmack-Altwies has solidified her position as a prominent figure in the legal landscape of the state.
Marco Serna, a Democrat who previously held the district attorney seat from 2017 to 2020, made a bold move by challenging his former colleague Carmack-Altwies in the primary election. However, the voters have spoken, and Carmack-Altwies’ dedication and professionalism seem to have resonated with the constituents.
Carmack-Altwies made headlines when she oversaw Baldwin’s indictment for involuntary manslaughter charges related to the tragic incident on the set of the film “Rust.” Three months before the trial was set to commence, she withdrew from the case and appointed special prosecutors, Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis, to handle the proceedings.
In a statement obtained by KRQE, Carmack-Altwies expressed her gratitude for the support from the voters in JD1, stating, “I have worked tirelessly over the last three and a half years to professionalize the office of the District Attorney, to bring justice and safety to our communities.”
Amidst the legal battles and high-profile case involving Alec Baldwin, Carmack-Altwies emphasized her commitment to addressing the broader public safety needs in New Mexico’s First Judicial District. By appointing special prosecutors for the “Rust” shooting case, she aimed to ensure that justice prevails while attending to the overall safety concerns of the community.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, Alec Baldwin found himself at the center of a media frenzy after being charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in January 2023 for the death of Halyna Hutchins that occurred on the set of the Western film. The tragic incident took place when live ammunition was mistakenly loaded into a weapon fired by Baldwin during a scene rehearsal in a church, resulting in the death of Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Despite the allegations, Alec Baldwin maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The legal saga continued with twists and turns, garnering nationwide attention and intensifying the scrutiny on the Hollywood actor.
In a surprising development, prosecutors decided to drop the firearms enhancement against Baldwin in February 2023, a move facilitated by Mary Carmack-Altwies herself. The decision marked a significant shift in the course of the legal proceedings, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious case.
With the primary election victory under her belt, Mary Carmack-Altwies now sets her sights on the November general election, where she will vie for a chance to serve as the district attorney for New Mexico’s First Judicial District. Her triumph over Marco Serna signifies a crucial milestone in her career, reflecting the trust and confidence reposed in her by the voters.
As the legal battles surrounding the “Rust” shooting case continue to unfold, all eyes are on Mary Carmack-Altwies and the trajectory of her tenure as she navigates the complexities and challenges of the justice system. The November general election will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion, shaping the future of New Mexico’s legal landscape and signaling new beginnings for the First Judicial District.
