Former “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed is facing a potential 18-month prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film. Prosecutors argue that Gutierrez Reed failed to take responsibility for her actions and neglected safety protocols, leading to Hutchins’ tragic death in October 2021. Along with the possibility of prison time, Gutierrez Reed may also face a $5,000 fine as part of her sentence.
The trial shed light on safety standards in the movie industry and highlighted violations on the set of “Rust”, with Gutierrez Reed being the first person to stand trial in connection with the incident. Prosecutors presented evidence showing Gutierrez Reed’s repeated safety protocol violations and negligence in her role as armorer, attributing her actions to the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins. Alec Baldwin, the actor who was holding the prop gun that fired the fatal shot, is also facing an involuntary manslaughter charge.
In a recent legal filing, special prosecutors in New Mexico suggested that Baldwin’s behavior on set contributed to safety compromises that ultimately led to the tragic incident. Gutierrez Reed’s defense requested a conditional discharge due to her lack of criminal history and previous good works, while the prosecutor’s office argued for the maximum sentence based on incriminating jailhouse calls where Gutierrez Reed blamed others for the tragedy. The case is ongoing, with Gutierrez Reed also facing an unrelated charge of unlawful firearm possession in a licensed liquor establishment.
