Melissa Gilbert breaks down in court as Judge rules on Timothy Busfields release! – Story Of The Day!

Melissa Gilbert stood visibly shaken inside a New Mexico courtroom as a judge delivered a ruling that shifted the course of her husband’s legal battle. As the decision was read aloud, the longtime actress struggled to contain her emotions while the court ordered the pretrial release of her husband, Timothy Busfield, a moment that stunned many observers who had expected a far harsher outcome.

The ruling came from Judge David Murphy, who authorized Busfield’s release on his own recognizance while the case moves toward trial. The decision allows Busfield to remain out of custody under strict supervision, provided he complies fully with court orders and attends all scheduled proceedings. The judge stated plainly that there was no evidence Busfield had violated any laws while awaiting his hearing.

Busfield, 68, will now be monitored by pretrial services in Albuquerque. The court imposed a long list of conditions, including a prohibition on possessing firearms or dangerous weapons, mandatory abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs, and a strict no-contact order with the alleged victims and their families. He is also barred from having any contact with minors under the age of 18, forbidden from discussing the case with potential witnesses, and required to notify the court of any changes to his residence. No trial date has been scheduled.

As the judge read the conditions into the record, Gilbert appeared overwhelmed. Observers in the courtroom described her wiping away tears, her reaction reflecting the emotional strain the proceedings have placed on the couple. The moment carried added weight because state prosecutors had strongly opposed Busfield’s release, urging the court to keep him in custody.

According to reporting by Fox News, the prosecution argued that Busfield posed a potential risk and questioned whether he would fully comply with court restrictions. Prosecutors pointed to allegations made by actress Claudia Christian, who claimed Busfield forcibly grabbed her and pushed her against a wall while they were working together on The Strays. The state said Christian reported the incident to an assistant director at the time, using it to argue a pattern of concerning behavior.

Prosecutors also raised concerns about Busfield’s actions after a warrant was issued for his arrest. They told the court that instead of immediately turning himself in, Busfield traveled nearly 2,000 miles and submitted to a polygraph examination before reporting to authorities. While acknowledging that defendants are entitled to prepare a defense, the state argued that his actions suggested selective compliance with the legal process.

Judge Murphy rejected those arguments, determining that supervised release was appropriate based on the available evidence and Busfield’s history of appearing for court obligations.

In the days leading up to his arrest, Busfield underwent a psychosexual evaluation requested by his legal team. Court documents cited by Fox News state that the evaluation was completed on January 17 and was designed to assess his risk of committing sexual offenses compared with individuals convicted of similar crimes. The assessment involved extensive questioning and incorporated corroborating statements provided by Gilbert.