Armourer Challenges Conviction in ‘Rust’ Set Shooting Case

In a latest development surrounding the tragic shooting incident on the set of the Western film “Rust,” Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie’s armourer, is contesting her conviction on an involuntary manslaughter charge. Court records unveiled this week reveal that Gutierrez-Reed’s defense team has filed a plea for a new trial and urged for her release from jail pending further deliberations.

Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty by a jury earlier this month for her role in the fatal shooting that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal in October 2021 on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Actor Alec Baldwin, who discharged the firearm, faces a separate indictment and has maintained his innocence, with his trial scheduled for July.

Citing concerns over potentially confusing jury instructions, Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys, Jason Bowles and Monnica Barreras, emphasized the need for clarity in legal proceedings. Despite similar objections during the trial, the motion seeks to address these issues and potentially sway the verdict.

With sentencing scheduled for April 15 under the current court orders, Gutierrez-Reed faces the possibility of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of US$5,000 for involuntary manslaughter. Currently held at the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility, her legal team aims to secure her release until sentencing.

The incident, which left cinematographer Halyna Hutchins dead and director Joel Souza injured, prompted scrutiny of safety protocols on film sets. Prosecutors argued that Gutierrez-Reed’s negligence in handling firearms and failure to adhere to safety measures were contributing factors to the tragedy.

The “Rust” assistant director and safety coordinator, Dave Halls, previously entered a plea of no contest to negligent handling of a firearm, culminating in a six-month unsupervised probation period.

As legal proceedings continue, the aftermath of the “Rust” shooting underscores the importance of stringent safety measures on film sets, while Gutierrez-Reed’s bid for a new trial sets the stage for further legal deliberations in the ongoing saga.