Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film armorer convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the tragic “Rust” movie set shooting, was released on parole Friday morning after serving 14 months of her 18-month sentence.
The 28-year-old served her time at the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility. Upon release, she was directed to return to Bullhead City, Arizona, where she resides. Her lawyer, Jason Bowles, refrained from making any public comments, citing his client’s privacy.
The fatal incident occurred in October 2021 on the set of Rust, near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Gutierrez Reed was found criminally negligent after loading a live round into a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin. The firearm discharged, fatally striking cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Although Baldwin denied pulling the trigger, he too faced a trial for involuntary manslaughter in July 2023. However, that case was dismissed after it was discovered prosecutors withheld critical evidence. The district attorney dropped any attempts to appeal, especially after the state attorney general declined further legal pursuit.
Gutierrez Reed’s conviction followed a trial that took place between February and March 2024. Prosecutors painted a picture of recklessness, accusing her of failing to ensure gun safety on set and permitting unsafe practices such as actors waving guns around without proper supervision.
The defense countered that the presence of live rounds among dummy ones was unintentional. They also blamed the film’s production team for staff shortages and safety oversights, arguing that Gutierrez Reed was overwhelmed and made to fulfill duties intended for two separate roles.
Dummy rounds are typically distinguishable by a rattling noise made by small BBs inside. Prosecutors argued she could have prevented the tragedy by thoroughly shaking each round before loading the weapon. Furthermore, they alleged she was the source of the live ammunition, though that claim remains hotly disputed.
In April 2024, Gutierrez Reed received the maximum sentence of 18 months. Under her parole, which extends until 2026, she is forbidden from buying or handling firearms. She must also undergo a mental health evaluation and either secure employment or enroll in educational programs within 45 days.
Despite her release, her case is still under appeal, with her legal team citing judicial missteps during the trial. In a separate matter, she also pleaded guilty to bringing a firearm into a bar—though that did not result in added jail time.
Other civil lawsuits related to the Rust incident remain unresolved. David Halls, the assistant director responsible for set safety, earlier accepted a plea deal for negligent firearm handling, receiving six months of unsupervised probation.
The Rust film was eventually completed in Montana and saw a limited theatrical release on May 2, earning just $25,000 across 115 cinemas.
