Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of the film “Rust” where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by actor Alec Baldwin, has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter but acquitted of tampering with evidence. She faces up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The jury determined that Gutierrez-Reed was negligent in ensuring firearm safety on set.
During the trial, prosecutors highlighted multiple safety failures on the set, including the presence of live ammunition in a prop gun and lax gun-safety protocols. The defense argued that Gutierrez-Reed was not aware the rounds were live and that she was being unfairly blamed for the production’s shortcomings.
The verdict shifts some blame for Hutchins’ death to Gutierrez-Reed, following assistant director David Halls’ plea for negligent use of a deadly weapon. Baldwin, who also faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, maintains he did not pull the trigger and would never intentionally harm someone with a gun.
The production company was fined for safety violations following the shooting, and Gutierrez-Reed’s sentencing will be determined in the coming weeks. Baldwin’s trial is scheduled for July, with the FBI confirming that he indeed fired the fatal shot. Despite the verdict, Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney plans to appeal the decision.
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