Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the film “Rust,” was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter by a New Mexico jury after about 2 ½ hours of deliberation. She was acquitted of tampering with evidence but faces up to 18 months in state prison. Gutierrez-Reed was taken into custody following the verdict.
The trial focused on the tragic shooting incident on the “Rust” set in 2021, where actor Alec Baldwin unintentionally fired a live round from a prop gun, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injury to director Joel Souza. Prosecutors argued that Gutierrez-Reed was negligent and prioritized her career over the safety of the victims. However, Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney placed blame on Baldwin for the incident, suggesting that he was ultimately responsible for Hutchins’ death.
During the trial, witnesses, including Souza and Dave Halls, the film’s safety coordinator, testified about the chaotic events that unfolded during the shooting. Halls expressed remorse for not conducting a thorough check of the firearm, acknowledging that he had let a safety check pass.
The jury’s decision to hold Gutierrez-Reed accountable for her actions was met with emotions from both sides. The prosecution emphasized the preventable nature of the tragedy, while Gutierrez-Reed’s defense team indicated plans to appeal the ruling.
The sentencing date for Gutierrez-Reed has yet to be determined. The family of Halyna Hutchins expressed their desire for all those responsible for her death to face legal consequences. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of gun safety on film sets and the need for accountability in preventing such tragedies.
In conclusion, the verdict in the trial of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed sheds light on the complexities of responsibility in the aftermath of a fatal on-set shooting. As legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and ensuring that similar incidents are avoided in the future.