‘Rust’: Santa Fe DA Steps Down From Case & Assigns Two Special Prosecutors

deadline.com:

Two days after a judge shut down the prosecution’s attempt to bring on a new special prosecutor in the Rust shooting, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies has stepped aside and appointed a pair of special prosecutors — veteran New Mexico attorneys Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis — to take over the high-profile case. “My responsibility to the people of the First Judicial District is greater than any one case, which is why I have chosen to appoint a special prosecutor in the Rust case,” Carmack-Altwies said in a statement today. “Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis will unflinchingly pursue justice in the death of Halyna Hutchins on behalf of the people of First Judicial District.” Heather Brewer, a spokesperson for First New Mexico Judicial District Attorney, said in a statement: “New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies on Wednesday appointed long-time New Mexico attorneys Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis to serve as special prosecutors in the ‘Rust’ case.

Morrissey’s and Lewis’ extensive experience and trial expertise will allow the state to pursue justice for Halyna Hutchins and ensure that in New Mexico everyone is held accountable under the law.  “With the appointment of new special prosecutors, Carmack-Altwies will step aside from personally prosecuting the ‘Rust’ case, allowing her to focus on the broader public safety needs in New Mexico’s First Judicial District.

Carmack-Altwies will continue her record of prosecuting drunken drivers, collaborating with local law enforcement, increasing diversion efforts and securing convictions against the most dangerous and prolific offenders.”  As Dominic Patten told you recently, this was in the cards for the DA to step down.