Rust Armourer Seeks New Trial After Involuntary Manslaughter Conviction
A weapons armourer involved in the filming of Rust has petitioned for a new trial and requested release from prison following a conviction for involuntary manslaughter. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty after a two-week trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, stemming from the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins, 42, on the Western film set in October 2021.
In an emergency motion filed by lawyers Jason Bowles and Monnica Barreras, Gutierrez-Reed has appealed to the court to vacate her conviction and grant a new trial. Additionally, she seeks release from prison pending further legal proceedings, whether in the current court or on appeal.
The court documents were filed concurrently with a motion by Alec Baldwin’s legal team to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge against the actor in connection with the shooting incident. Baldwin’s lawyers have accused prosecutors of procedural violations in securing the indictment, alleging biased jury instructions that disadvantaged the actor.
Alec Baldwin, who was handling a Colt .45 revolver during a rehearsal, inadvertently fired a live round that fatally wounded Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza on the set of Rust. The incident has led to legal ramifications for both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.
Gutierrez-Reed is scheduled for sentencing on April 15, facing a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and a fine of $5,000 (£3,900) for involuntary manslaughter. The case has garnered significant attention and raised questions about safety protocols on film sets and accountability in the entertainment industry.
