Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial has been dramatically paused

But the case has been halted following a motion by his legal team to dismiss the case over a claim that ammunition evidence was hidden.

The actor's lawyers said the Santa Fe sheriff's office took possession of live rounds as evidence in the case but failed to list them in the 'Rust' investigation file or disclose their existence to defence lawyers.

Alec's lawyer Alex Spiro made the claim to a sheriff's office crime scene technician under cross-examination during a hearing on the motion to dismiss the case while jurors were not in the courtroom.

He said: "This was hidden from us."

Prosecutors insist the ammunition was not connected to the case and was not hidden.

But judge Mary Marlowe Sommer later called the jury in only to send them home for the day, so she can hear further evidence on the motion - and has told them to return on Monday. (15.07.24)

The evidence consists of live rounds of ammunition turned over to New Mexico police in March that the defence argues call into question the source of the bullet that fatally struck cinematographer Halyna.

Alec Baldwin's wife Hilaria, 40, seemed overcome with emotion after the development.

The actor sat beside his wife in the chairs behind his legal team, while Hilaria - with tears in her eyes - hugged her husband for several minutes as she stroked his arm and back.

They also whispered to each other intimately before Hilaria left the room again.

They later embraced before Alec turned back to his defence team - and he turned and blew her a kiss.

Alec's attorney Luke Nikas also told the judge: "We're talking about a prosecution that didn't preserve those bullets, that didn't collect them at all. That didn't turn them over.

"This is critical evidence in the case that was never disclosed to us... we were entitled to it.

"This case should be dismissed, Your Honor."

Alec has insisted he did not pull the trigger or know how the gun contained live ammunition and has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

He faces up to 18 months if convicted.