- Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison for her involvement in the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins during the “Rust” movie set rehearsal.
- The incident, involving actor Alec Baldwin discharging live rounds, has been deemed a preventable tragedy by experts.
- Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and her defense argued for probation, highlighting safety issues on the set.
- Despite her pleas for leniency and the defense’s claims of safety issues, the judge imposed the maximum sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
- Gutierrez-Reed expressed her sadness over the media coverage and the negative portrayal of her, calling Hutchins an inspiration and stating that she was not a monster but a human being who made a mistake.
Armorer Convicted in Rust Shooting, The case of Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer for the film “Rust,” has been a focal point of national attention, particularly due to the tragic on-set shooting that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Gutierrez Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison, marking the first time an armorer has been convicted in such a case. This verdict and sentence highlight significant legal and safety failures that contributed to the incident.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Gutierrez Reed repeatedly violated safety protocols and acted without caution in her duties, leading to Hutchins’ death. They pointed out that she allowed six live rounds to remain on the set without conducting necessary safety checks, including not shaking dummy rounds or testing anything. This negligence, according to the prosecution, directly contributed to the tragic incident.
Gutierrez Reed’s defense attorney, Jason Bowles, countered these claims by suggesting that the production team created a chaotic and unsafe environment that put Gutierrez Reed under immense pressure. He also argued that actor Alec Baldwin, who was handling the firearm at the time of the shooting, did not follow common-sense gun safety rules and acted unpredictably. Bowles further contended that the management was responsible for the safety failures, not Gutierrez Reed.
As the first criminal trial over the tragic 'Rust' shooting gets underway, prosecutors look to paint Hannah Gutierrez-Reed as a druggie whose mistakes led to calamity. Defenders say she’s a scapegoat for penny-pinching producers. Both may be true: https://t.co/alODRbdPNm pic.twitter.com/7jsleEOSpC
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 14, 2024
Assistant film director David Halls admitted to being negligent in checking the gun and not properly inspecting all the rounds in the gun’s chamber when Gutierrez Reed presented it to him. He pleaded no contest to one count of negligent use of a deadly weapon and was sentenced to six months of unsupervised probation, a $500 fine, and other conditions.
The defense also attempted to shift blame by suggesting that Seth Kenney, the owner of PDQ Arm & Prop and the weapons supplier for “Rust,” was the source of the live rounds. However, the prosecution refuted this claim, stating that the live rounds found on set did not match those found in Kenney’s store. This argument was part of the defense’s attempt to cast doubt on the evidence and Gutierrez Reed’s role in the incident.
The verdict and sentence underscore the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in film production, especially when handling firearms. Gutierrez Reed’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of failing to uphold these standards, highlighting the need for thorough safety checks and the responsibility of all parties involved in film production to prioritize safety above all else.
Don’t Miss | Jimmy Carr’s Cancellation Rumors: A 2024 Career Update
‘Rust’ Armorer Convicted of Manslaughter in Alec Baldwin Shooting https://t.co/lBbCjnlxAJ
— Robin Pogrebin (@rpogrebin) March 7, 2024
