SANTA FE, N.M. — A district judge in New Mexico, known for presiding over the notable trial of actor Alec Baldwin regarding a fatal shooting on a movie set, is preparing to retire. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer has announced she will retire at the end of May following 15 years of service on the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico. From 2019 to 2022, Marlowe Sommer also held the position of chief judge in the district.
Her extensive legal career includes roles such as law clerk, defense attorney, assistant attorney general, and as a hearing officer she has managed thousands of cases, particularly those involving domestic violence and family matters.
Reflecting on her time on the bench, Marlowe Sommer expressed gratitude, calling it an “honor and privilege” to serve, but acknowledged it was time to leave behind the “hectic schedule of court business.”
“Throughout my service, I’ve admired and greatly appreciated the dedicated efforts of those striving hard each day to ensure the court provides fair and timely justice, which is fundamental in our legal system,” she said.
In the summer, Marlowe Sommer made headlines when she dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin related to the unfortunate death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021 during a rehearsal for the film “Rust” at a Santa Fe film-set ranch.
Baldwin, acting as lead actor and co-producer, was holding a pistol pointed at Hutchins when it discharged, killing her and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin maintained that he had pulled back the hammer but did not pull the trigger when the revolver fired.
The trial encountered a significant disruption due to revelations that a man brought ammunition to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, potentially linked to Hutchins’ death. Prosecutors deemed this ammunition unrelated, while Baldwin’s legal team claimed investigators had ignored the evidence by placing it in a separate case folder and successfully had the case dismissed.
Baldwin subsequently filed a civil lawsuit citing malicious prosecution and civil rights violations.
Separately, the shooting also led to an involuntary manslaughter conviction for movie weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, a trial also overseen by Marlowe Sommer.
The current Chief Judge, Bryan Biedscheid, commended Marlowe Sommer for her service, noting her dedication and unwavering commitment to upholding the law.
In summary, officials report Marlowe Sommer has presided over approximately 21,600 cases throughout her tenure. Her career began with family, abuse, neglect, and juvenile delinquency cases, transitioning to criminal cases in 2012, including the notable trials involving Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.
She also handled the child molestation trials of former teacher Gary Gregor, and the case of Jeannine Jaramillo, who fatally struck a police officer and retired firefighter in a car crash while fleeing law enforcement.
Though Marlowe Sommer’s term was to continue until 2028, a judicial nominating commission will now review potential candidates for the vacancy. Recommendations will then be forwarded to the governor for an appointment to serve the remainder of the term.
