Santa Fe, New Mexico – In a trial that shed light on safety standards within the movie industry, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer for the film “Rust,” was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. This verdict comes following the tragic 2021 on-set shooting that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was accidentally shot by a live round from a prop gun being handled by actor Alec Baldwin.
Gutierrez Reed, responsible for firearm safety and storage on the film set, was acquitted of a charge of evidence tampering. It was alleged that she had transferred a small bag of cocaine to someone after a police interview on the day of the shooting. The jury deliberated for nearly three hours before reaching their decision.
The involuntary manslaughter charge that Gutierrez Reed faces carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine, with no sentencing date set by the judge. This trial marks the first in a case that highlighted safety violations within the movie industry, specifically on the set of “Rust.”
Prosecutors argued that Gutierrez Reed repeatedly neglected safety protocols on set, leading to the tragic death of Hutchins. They emphasized that this case was not about a single mistake but about a series of safety failures that resulted in a human life being lost.
Defending Gutierrez Reed, her attorney argued that the blame lay elsewhere, pointing to the chaotic and unsafe environment created by the “Rust” production team. He mentioned that Baldwin’s actions on set, including handling the firearm unsafely, were unpredictable and not foreseen by Gutierrez Reed.
The trial also revealed negligence on the part of assistant film director David Halls, who admitted to not properly checking the gun and ammunition. It was mentioned that live rounds had made their way onto the set despite safety checks being conducted by Gutierrez Reed.
In closing arguments, it was highlighted that there was no evidence to suggest anyone else was to blame for the shooting, with Gutierrez Reed being the autonomous decision maker regarding gun safety on set. Baldwin, charged with involuntary manslaughter as well, is set to stand trial in July and has pleaded not guilty.
The verdict in Gutierrez Reed’s case marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the tragic incident on the set of “Rust,” prompting a reevaluation of safety standards within the film industry.