Gutierrez-Reed Earns 18-Month in Prison Over Fatal Movie Set Shooting
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons handler on the film set of “Rust,” has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after a gun she loaded killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, Excel Magazine International reports.
Recall that the tragic incident occurred during a rehearsal in New Mexico in 2021.
Gutierrez-Reed, 26, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March, although acquitted on a second charge of tampering with evidence. The sentence handed down is the maximum allowed for the charge.
Alec Baldwin, who was rehearsing with the weapon when it discharged, faces his own trial for manslaughter this July, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, in a New Mexico court, described the armorer’s negligence as a “serious, violent offense.” She told Gutierrez-Reed, “You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon. But for you, Ms Hutchins would be alive today.”
Halyna Hutchins, 42, died after the gun Baldwin was using unexpectedly fired a live round. Prosecutors argued that Gutierrez-Reed failed to confirm that the weapon was loaded exclusively with dummy rounds, which mimic real bullets in appearance and sound.
“This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures,” prosecutor Kari T Morrissey stated, emphasizing the negligent mixing of live and dummy rounds in the ammunition provided on set.
Despite the defense’s argument that it was not proven Gutierrez-Reed was solely responsible for the live rounds on set, the jury found her guilty after three hours of deliberation. The verdict was met with approval from Hutchins’ family, who expressed satisfaction and a desire for continued justice.
Before sentencing, Gutierrez-Reed addressed the court, expressing her sorrow but maintaining her humanity in the face of the jury’s decision. However, Judge Sommer noted a lack of responsibility in her statement.
The victim’s family also spoke during the trial via recorded messages, with Hutchins’ mother highlighting the lack of outreach from those involved in her daughter’s death.
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that the live bullets had been brought to the set by Gutierrez-Reed from her home in California, which inadvertently contributed to the fatal shooting.
Gutierrez-Reed, who did not testify, was also defended by her lawyer, Jason Bowles, who argued that the responsibility for the incident did not rest solely with her. Despite the defense’s efforts, Bowles has announced plans to appeal the conviction.
Following the incident, the film “Rust” resumed production, with Hutchins’ husband serving as an executive producer, in tribute to her memory.
