Rust’ Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter in Fatal Shooting of Halyna Hutchins
A New Mexico jury convicted “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed of involuntary manslaughter in a significant case development.
The jury delivered a verdict in under three hours, marking a pivotal moment in the high-profile “Rust” case since October 2021.
During “Rust” rehearsals in Santa Fe, Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun with a live round, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s Verdict
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 26, faced charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. A court found her not guilty of the tampering charge.
The trial in Santa Fe began on February 23, 2024, with witness and expert testimonies, concluding with closing arguments from both sides.
The prosecution argued that Gutierrez-Reed’s negligence and failure to adhere to safety protocols led to the fatal incident. They highlighted the presence of live ammunition on set and other safety failures as contributing factors.
The defense argued that set chaos and mismanagement, not Gutierrez-Reed, were to blame, suggesting she was made a scapegoat.
Gutierrez-Reed faces up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine; a sentencing date is pending.
The verdict drew mixed responses; some praise it for enforcing film industry accountability, while Gutierrez-Reed’s defense intends to appeal, citing trial issues and disputed blame.
The “Rust” shooting incident has sparked widespread discussions about safety protocols and the use of firearms on film sets.
Following the tragedy, there are calls for tighter safety and a review of industry practices to avoid future incidents. The case also underscores the duty of all on set, from armorer to actor to producer, to maintain safety.
Alec Baldwin, holding the gun during the incident and a “Rust” producer, faces an involuntary manslaughter trial in July 2024. Baldwin has entered a not guilty plea, and his trial is expected to delve into the shooting’s details and film production safety and accountability.
The “Rust” shooting’s aftermath has the film industry and public reflecting on safety and diligence in filmmaking. Gutierrez-Reed’s conviction emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance and reform to safeguard film industry workers.