Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, convicted of manslaughter charges in connection with the fatal shooting on the movie set of “Rust,” made crude comments about the jurors who convicted her in recorded jail conversations, calling them “idiots” and “a–holes.” Gutierrez-Reed expressed her desire for Alec Baldwin, who was handling the gun that fired the fatal shot, to also go to jail and stated that she would not testify at his upcoming criminal trial if subpoenaed. Prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty of 18 months in prison for Gutierrez-Reed, arguing that her conversations demonstrate her failure to take responsibility for her actions.
Throughout her nearly two-week criminal trial, Gutierrez-Reed has shown a lack of remorse and acceptance of responsibility in relation to the October 2021 shooting on the set of “Rust.” She brought live rounds on set by failing to properly inspect the “dummy” rounds she provided and neglected to check the rounds that were confirmed as live ammo in one actor’s gun belt and Baldwin’s revolver. In addition to the manslaughter charges, Gutierrez-Reed also has another felony charge pending for allegedly hiding a firearm from security at a New Mexico bar, further raising concerns about her judgment and behavior.
In the recorded jail conversations, Gutierrez-Reed expressed frustration with how the shooting has negatively impacted her life and modeling career. Prosecutors argue that she has failed to show genuine remorse and has instead focused on absolving herself of blame while blaming others involved in the production. Gutierrez-Reed has also made disparaging comments about witnesses in the case and complained about the lack of support she has received from certain individuals, including film producers and first assistant director Dave Halls, whom she accused of betraying her to protect himself.
First assistant director Dave Halls, who also served as the film’s safety coordinator, pleaded no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting and received a sentence of six months of unsupervised probation. Gutierrez-Reed has criticized Halls in her conversations, claiming that he “f—ed Hannah to save his own ass.” Halls testified during the trial that he should have checked the gun more thoroughly and admitted to an improper check of the firearm, accepting responsibility for his role in the tragic incident. However, Gutierrez-Reed continues to deflect blame and express resentment toward others involved in the production.
Baldwin’s defense team has raised concerns about the fairness of the grand jury proceedings and the stacking of testimony against the actor, leading them to request the dismissal of manslaughter charges. Prosecutors had offered Baldwin a “very favorable plea agreement” similar to what Halls received but withdrew the offer upon learning that Baldwin planned to accept the deal and create a documentary featuring interviews from case witnesses. The legal battles and conflicting perspectives surrounding the “Rust” shooting continue to unfold as Gutierrez-Reed faces sentencing and Baldwin prepares for his own legal proceedings. The case highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating accountability, responsibility, and justice in the aftermath of a tragic and preventable incident.
