In an unexpected development, First Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer on Friday dismissed Alec Baldwin's lawsuit.

Judge Sommer ruled that the trial could not proceed because the prosecution had suppressed evidence. NBC NewsThe actor broke down in tears in the Santa Fe, New Mexico, courtroom as Judge Sommer agreed with Baldwin's lawyers' argument that the withholding of evidence was a matter of prosecutorial misconduct in the fatal shooting that took the life of Halina Hutchins on the set of “Lust” in 2021. “There is no way for the court to right this error,” Judge Sommer said.

Judge Sommer explained his position on the matter.

“The sanction of dismissal is the only legitimate remedy,” she said.

She took a significant step to ensure that Baldwin remains free as a result of any wrongdoing: According to NBC News, the firing was “treatment with prejudice,” which ultimately means that a wrongful death lawsuit against the famous actor can never be filed again.

The 66-year-old actor was visibly shaken as he realised the impact of the sentence and covered his face with his hands as Sommer announced the final decision.

He shared an emotional embrace with his wife, Hilaria, inside the courtroom.

American actor Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria Baldwin embrace during his manslaughter trial in Santa Fe County District Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on July 12, 2024. Baldwin's manslaughter trial was dismissed on Friday by a judge who said key evidence related to the fatal shooting on the set of the film “Lust” was withheld from the defense. (Photo by Ramsey DeGib/Pool/AFP) (Photo by Ramsey DeGib/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted of manslaughter. (Related article: Chaotic body camera footage of 'Lust' shooting released on opening day of Alec Baldwin trial)

The star is now a free man and can put the high-profile incident behind him.