Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed supports her defence team at her involuntary manslaughter trial on March 5, 2024. CTV News
In a significant development related to the tragic 2021 shooting on the set of the film “Rust,” a special prosecutor has opposed the release request of former movie armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Gutierrez-Reed is currently seeking a new trial and appealing her involuntary manslaughter conviction.
Kari Morrissey, the special prosecutor, filed a response brief on Friday arguing that Gutierrez-Reed’s motion for release is "premature." According to Morrissey, the court has yet to receive completed briefings on the defendant’s motion for a new trial, hear arguments, and rule in favour of the defendant.
The shooting incident occurred in October 2021 on a movie set outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. Actor Alec Baldwin, who was both the lead actor and co-producer of “Rust,” was rehearsing a scene with a revolver pointed at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Tragically, the gun discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Gutierrez-Reed, the armourer responsible for weapons on set, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March. Judge Marlowe Sommer presided over the trial, which resulted in Gutierrez-Reed receiving the maximum penalty of 18 months in prison. Gutierrez-Reed’s appeal is currently pending in a higher court.
Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyers have filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that prosecutors failed to disclose evidence that could have been exculpatory. They contend that this failure to share critical information warrants a reconsideration of her case.
In her motion, Gutierrez-Reed is seeking either a dismissal of her conviction or a new trial. Her defence team believes that the withholding of evidence significantly impacted the trial's outcome. They hope that the judge will recognize this and grant a new trial or dismiss the conviction altogether.
However, Morrissey contends that the request for release is premature because the court has not yet completed the necessary procedures to consider the motion for a new trial. The special prosecutor emphasized that all arguments need to be heard, and a ruling must be made before any decision on Gutierrez-Reed’s release can be considered.
Morrissey also highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing out that Gutierrez-Reed was held responsible for bringing live ammunition onto the set of “Rust,” where it was strictly prohibited. Moreover, she failed to adhere to basic gun safety protocols, which led to the fatal incident.
While Gutierrez-Reed was acquitted of allegations that she tampered with evidence during the investigation, the conviction of involuntary manslaughter stands as a significant point of contention.
