The verdict in the trial of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of the film “Rust” who was charged in connection to the death of Halyna Hutchins, has been reached. Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter but not guilty of evidence tampering. The jury deliberated for about two weeks before delivering their decision.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented a case that focused on Gutierrez-Reed’s alleged negligence and carelessness on the set of the film. They argued that her actions, or lack thereof, led to the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins. Witnesses, including the first assistant director, a producer, and a line producer, testified against Gutierrez-Reed, painting a picture of her as being irresponsible in handling weapons on set.
In contrast, Gutierrez-Reed’s defense team argued that she was overworked by the production and that the blame for the shooting should not fall on her. They claimed that the death of Halyna was a tragic accident and not the result of any intentional wrongdoing on Gutierrez-Reed’s part.
Despite her defense’s efforts, Gutierrez-Reed was ultimately found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. She was immediately remanded to custody following the verdict, much to the devastation of her family who were present in the courtroom. Gutierrez-Reed remained composed throughout the proceedings and did not resist as she was taken away by deputies.
The sentencing for Gutierrez-Reed will be decided at a later date. She faces a maximum of 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. It is unclear how much time she will ultimately serve.
The trial of Gutierrez-Reed is just one chapter in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the tragic incident on the set of “Rust.” Actor Alec Baldwin, who was holding the gun that fired the fatal shot, is also facing manslaughter charges. His trial is set to begin later this summer.
The verdict in Gutierrez-Reed’s trial serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols on film sets and the potentially devastating consequences of negligence. The film industry will undoubtedly be closely watching the developments in the legal proceedings surrounding the death of Halyna Hutchins, as it has raised important questions about on-set safety and accountability.
