'Rust' Armorer Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter in Halyna Hutchins' Death

Last week, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the movie "Rust," was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident occurred on October 21, 2021, while actor Alec Baldwin was holding the gun, which he insisted he did not pull the trigger of. His trial is set to commence on July 9, 2024. Despite the impending trial of Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed faces a potential sentence of 18 months in prison.

Difficult Time Behind Bars

Following the jury's verdict, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was transferred to a detention center in New Mexico to await sentencing. Reports indicate that she is experiencing a challenging time behind bars, with no visitation from her family at the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility. However, arrangements are being made for her family to see her soon.

Acquitted on Tampering Charge

Although devastated by the guilty verdict, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's loved ones were relieved that she was acquitted on the charge of tampering with evidence. During the trial, a witness claimed that she was given a bag of white powder by Hannah Gutierrez-Reed on the day of the tragic incident. The substance, suspected to be cocaine, was allegedly discarded by the witness but was never tested or found. The prosecution's attempt to alter the charge from "cocaine" to "controlled white substance" was rejected by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer.

Legal Team Plans Appeal

Despite the involuntary manslaughter conviction, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's legal team intends to pursue an appeal to overturn the verdict. They argue that the accident resulted from her being overworked due to her dual responsibilities as an armorer and a prop master. The defense attributes the mishap to production-related pressure and blames the "Rust" producers for overworking Gutierrez-Reed, portraying her as a rushed and stressed employee.

Families Seek Accountability

Gloria Allred, representing Halyna Hutchins' family in a civil lawsuit against Alec Baldwin and other "Rust" producers, expressed their desire for those responsible for Halyna's death to be held accountable. In a statement to People magazine, the family's legal representatives emphasized their satisfaction with the jury's decision to find Hannah Gutierrez-Reed guilty based on the evidence presented in court.

Upcoming Trial for Alec Baldwin

The criminal trial for Alec Baldwin, scheduled to commence on July 9, 2024, follows the filing and subsequent dropping of charges against both him and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed in January and April 2023, respectively. However, after an FBI report indicated that the gun had to have been triggered for the fatal shot, charges against Alec Baldwin were refiled in January 2024. The 65-year-old actor has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter.