Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed of the film “Rust” is facing sentencing in New Mexico for the involuntary manslaughter of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty of 18 months in state prison. Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter but was acquitted of tampering with evidence. In phone conversations from jail with her loved ones, Gutierrez-Reed expressed frustration at the length of time it took jurors to deliberate and referred to them as “idiots” and “a–holes.” She also stated that she would not testify in Alec Baldwin’s upcoming criminal trial and hopes he will go to jail as well.
The trial focused on the shooting incident on the set of “Rust” in 2021, where a prop gun fired a live round, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The special prosecutor, Kari T. Morrissey, argued in the closing statements that Gutierrez-Reed was negligent, careless, and thoughtless in her handling of the weapons. However, Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney, Jason Bowles, claimed that the prosecutors failed to prove that his client was the one responsible for bringing live rounds onto the set. He shifted the blame to Alec Baldwin, stating that Baldwin going off-script and pointing the weapon ultimately led to Hutchins’ death, not Gutierrez-Reed’s actions.
Despite being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, Gutierrez-Reed maintained her innocence and continued to express her frustration in jail phone conversations. The judge ordered her to remain in police custody pending her sentencing. Prosecutors are pushing for the maximum penalty of 18 months in state prison. Gutierrez-Reed’s reluctance to cooperate in Baldwin’s criminal trial and her desire to see him face consequences suggest a level of animosity and resentment following the tragic incident on the set of “Rust.”
The shooting incident on the “Rust” film set sent shockwaves through the industry and led to heightened scrutiny of safety protocols on film sets. The tragic loss of Halyna Hutchins and the injuries sustained by Joel Souza highlighted the dangers of working with firearms on set. The case also raised questions about accountability and responsibility in the handling of weapons during film production. The trial shed light on the complexities and challenges of ensuring safety on set and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
As the sentencing date approaches, the film industry continues to grapple with the aftermath of the “Rust” shooting. The case has sparked conversations about the need for stricter safety regulations and oversight when it comes to handling firearms on set. The outcome of Gutierrez-Reed’s sentencing will have implications for how future incidents are addressed and dealt with in the industry. The tragic chain of events on the “Rust” set serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and accountability in film production and the potential consequences of negligence.
