The armorer on the set of the film “Rust,” Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter after loading a live round into a gun that killed the cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. Prosecutors argued that Gutierrez-Reed had been reckless in managing weapons and ammunition, leading to the tragedy on set. The judge cited Gutierrez-Reed’s lack of remorse, evidenced by calls she made from jail, as a reason for the maximum sentence.
Gutierrez-Reed pleaded for leniency, stating that she was young and naïve when she took the job and did her best despite lacking proper resources. Prosecutors argued that she had endangered lives by not following safety protocols, including properly checking the ammunition loaded into guns. They also highlighted her attempts to communicate with Hutchins’s family and expressed a desire for Alec Baldwin to be jailed. Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyers maintained her deep sadness over Hutchins’s death amid intense media scrutiny and death threats.
Family, friends, and colleagues of Hutchins testified at the sentencing hearing, sharing memories of her dedication as a mother and cinematographer. Director Joel Souza, who was injured in the incident, praised Hutchins’s talent and passion for life. Friend Emilia Mendieta recalled Hutchins’s excitement for filming a western movie, describing it as a significant milestone in her career. Despite the focus on Gutierrez-Reed, the attention has now shifted to Baldwin, who faces an involuntary manslaughter charge.
Prosecutors accused Baldwin of negligence for failing to ensure the gun he was handed was not loaded with live ammunition, resulting in Hutchins’s death. Baldwin denied responsibility, emphasizing his reliance on professionals on set to oversee gun safety. The trial highlighted serious safety violations on the set of “Rust,” including the presence of live rounds and mishandling of weapons. Gutierrez-Reed also faces a separate charge of unlawful carrying of a firearm in a licensed liquor establishment, to which she has pleaded not guilty.
Gutierrez-Reed’s defense argued for leniency, pointing to the emotional toll she experienced and placing blame on others involved in the tragedy. The judge, however, upheld the maximum sentence, citing Gutierrez-Reed’s role as the armorer who failed to ensure a safe weapon, resulting in a lethal outcome. The armorer’s conviction marked the first time someone had been held criminally responsible for Hutchins’s death. As the case continues, the spotlight now turns towards Baldwin’s trial in July and his assertion of innocence in the tragic incident on the “Rust” set.
