Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter in Fatal ‘Rust’ Shooting
Movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie “Rust,” which involved actor Alec Baldwin. Gutierrez-Reed was also found not guilty of tampering with evidence but faces up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The judge did not immediately set a sentencing date following the verdict. Baldwin, who was indicted on the same charge, is set to go to trial in July and has pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, Gutierrez-Reed’s defense argued that the problems on set were beyond her control and that the live rounds may have come from an Albuquerque-based ammunition supplier. However, jurors found that she did not perform safety checks adequately and took the blame for the fatal accident.
The prosecution presented extensive evidence on the presence of live rounds on set, while the defense cast doubt on their significance. Gutierrez-Reed’s mother reacted with dismay at the verdict, and defense attorney Jason Bowles indicated that they will appeal the decision.
The trial shed light on safety failures on the set of “Rust” and the actions leading up to the tragic shooting of Hutchins. The incident has raised important questions about safety measures on film sets and the responsibilities of all individuals involved in handling firearms during productions.
As Gutierrez-Reed faces the consequences of her actions, the industry continues to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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