Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the tragic shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust,’ with potential penalties including imprisonment and a fine.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armourer on the film “Rust,” was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident occurred during the film’s production, with actor Alec Baldwin also implicated. The fatal shooting took place when a live round, alleged to have come from Gutierrez-Reed’s workstation, was discharged by Baldwin.
Following her conviction in a New Mexico state court, Gutierrez-Reed could face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The court heard how live ammunition, banned on set, was handled negligently by Gutierrez-Reed, leading to Hutchins’ death. Colleagues described her behaviour as “sloppy” and “unprofessional,” contributing to the accident.
Post-verdict, prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty, citing Gutierrez-Reed’s lack of remorse and defiance, evidenced by her derogatory comments about the jurors in recorded jailhouse calls. Meanwhile, Gutierrez-Reed’s defense has sought leniency, pointing to her youth and the broader impact of a felony conviction on her life.
This case has gained substantial attention, particularly as Alec Baldwin, also facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, is scheduled for trial in July. Gutierrez-Reed has declined to testify in Baldwin’s trial. Besides facing sentencing for the shooting, Gutierrez-Reed also confronts a separate felony charge related to possession of a firearm in a bar.
