Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, a district judge in New Mexico, has announced she will retire at the end of May. She has served for 15 years on the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe. From 2019 to 2022, she also served as the chief judge for the district.
Judge Sommer’s long career in law
Judge Sommer’s career in law spans several roles. She worked as a law clerk, defense attorney, assistant attorney general, and hearing officer. Over the years, she has managed thousands of cases, including many involving domestic violence and family matters.
Sommer says she is grateful for her time on the bench. She called it an “honor and privilege” to serve but mentioned it was time to retire from the “hectic schedule of court business.”
“I’ve admired and greatly appreciated the dedicated efforts of those working hard to provide fair and timely justice,” Judge Sommer said.
Judge Sommer’s Notable cases
Judge Sommer is perhaps best known for presiding over the trial of actor Alec Baldwin. In the summer, she dismissed a manslaughter charge against Baldwin after a tragic accident on the set of the film Rust. Baldwin was holding a pistol when it discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Baldwin argued he had not pulled the trigger. The case faced further issues when it was revealed that ammunition, potentially connected to the shooting, had been brought to the sheriff’s office. Prosecutors said it wasn’t related to Hutchins’ death. Baldwin’s legal team argued investigators had ignored the evidence. They had the case dismissed.
Later, Baldwin filed a civil lawsuit accusing the prosecution of malicious behavior and violating his rights. This ongoing case will feature another judge.
The Gutierrez-Reed case
The shooting also led to charges against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie’s weapons supervisor. She was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Judge Sommer oversaw this trial as well.
Service recognized
Bryan Biedscheid, the current Chief Judge, praised Judge Sommer’s dedication to the law. He called her service unwavering and noted her commitment to justice.
During her time on the bench, Judge Sommer has handled around 21,600 cases. She began with family, abuse, neglect, and juvenile delinquency cases before moving into criminal law in 2012. Her cases included the Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed trials.
She also oversaw high-profile cases like the child molestation trial of former teacher Gary Gregor and the case of Jeannine Jaramillo, who killed a police officer and retired firefighter in a car crash.
Even though Judge Sommer’s term was to end in 2028, her retirement opens the door for a new judge. A judicial nominating commission will review candidates to fill the vacancy. The governor will then appoint someone to serve the remainder of her term.
In summary, Judge Sommer’s legal career has been long and impactful. Her service to New Mexico’s judicial system has made a lasting mark, and her retirement will leave a notable void in the court.
