(ReliableNews.org) – In October 2021, the world was gripped by the tragic and sudden loss of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was shot and killed on the set of the movie “Rust.” While several people were charged with crimes following her death, the first one to go to trial was the set’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. The charge was involuntary manslaughter.
On March 6, the Associated Press reported that the trial against Gutierrez-Reed concluded with the jury finding the armorer guilty. She had previously pleaded no contest to negligence in handling the firearm. It took the jury only about two hours of deliberation to return with their verdict. The defendant faced a second charge of tampering with evidence, but the court found her not guilty on that count.
After reading the verdict, deputies took custody of the 26-year-old, who could receive up to 18 months in prison and up to a $5,000 fine for her crime. Lead Defense Attorney Jason Bowles vowed to appeal Gutierrez-Reed’s conviction. He said his client was a “convenient fall person” for the tragedy. However, prosecutor Kari Morrissey claimed during the trial that it wasn’t just this one mistake Gutierrez-Reed made by “putting a live round into that gun” but a series of ongoing “safety failures.”
According to People, Hutchins’ parents’ and sister’s attorney issued a statement on their behalf following the verdict. It said they were “satisfied” with the trial’s outcome, adding the family looks forward to the “justice system continuing” to work in bringing justice for their loved one.
Actor Alec Baldwin was indicted in January 2024, as he was practicing with the weapon when it went off. Although the actor claimed he didn’t pull the trigger, the prosecution believes he did. His trial for involuntary manslaughter is scheduled for July. He already pleaded not guilty. It’s unclear how or if Gutierrez-Reed’s conviction will affect Baldwin’s or anyone else’s future trial.
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