Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer on the ill-fated Western film “Rust,” has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the film’s cinematographer.
The verdict was reached after less than three hours of deliberations by the jury following two weeks of testimony regarding safety lapses on the set.
Although Gutierrez Reed was acquitted of a separate charge of tampering with evidence, she now faces up to 18 months in prison at her sentencing, expected in April. Following the verdict, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ordered Gutierrez Reed to be remanded into custody, prompting emotional scenes as her attorney comforted her while she was led away by bailiffs.
Speaking outside the courthouse, juror Alberto Sanchez described the verdict as “fair,” emphasizing the importance of accountability, particularly in roles involving firearm safety.
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Gutierrez Reed’s conviction marks the first trial in connection with the tragic shooting incident that occurred on October 21, 2021, on the film set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Alec Baldwin, who was holding the firearm at the time of the shooting, is set to face his own manslaughter trial in July. Additionally, the first assistant director, Dave Halls, previously accepted a plea deal to a misdemeanor count of negligent handling of a gun.
The court heard that Gutierrez Reed loaded live ammunition into Baldwin’s pistol, which should have contained only dummy rounds. The subsequent discharge of the weapon resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and serious injury to director Joel Souza.
Gutierrez Reed’s family ties to the film industry, particularly through her father Thell Reed, a renowned film armorer, were noted during the trial. Thell Reed was present in court when the verdict was delivered but did not testify.
In response to the conviction, attorney Jason Bowles, representing Gutierrez Reed, expressed disappointment and announced plans to appeal, citing insufficiency of evidence.
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Prosecutor Kari Morrissey argued during closing statements that Gutierrez Reed’s actions represented a profound failure to adhere to industry safety standards, placing responsibility squarely on her shoulders.
Defense attorney Bowles, however, sought to shift blame onto management and the weapons supplier.
District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies thanked the jury and prosecutors for their efforts in pursuing justice for Hutchins’ family, while Gloria Allred, representing Hutchins’ relatives in civil suits against Baldwin and the “Rust” producers, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing their desire for all responsible parties to be held accountable.
The trial and subsequent conviction serve as significant milestones in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the tragic incident, underscoring the need for accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
