Sentencing is anticipated next month for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of Alec Baldwin's movie 'Rust,' following a Santa Fe jury's verdict of guilty on charges of involuntary manslaughter. This case has garnered significant attention from both the industry and the public.
The prosecution highlighted Gutierrez-Reed's failure to adequately check prop weapons for safety, which led to the presence of live rounds on set. The jury's decision found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter but acquitted her of a separate charge of tampering with evidence. The potential consequences include up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
One juror expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing the importance of accountability when handling weapons. The defense argued that the negligence extended beyond Gutierrez-Reed, attributing the chaotic and unsafe production environment to systemic issues.
Prosecutors contended that Gutierrez-Reed's actions directly contributed to the tragic death of cinematographer Helena Hutchins, characterizing her conduct as willful. The jury's swift decision underscored agreement with this assessment.
Alec Baldwin, also facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, is scheduled to stand trial in July. Baldwin has consistently denied pulling the trigger, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings.
