Armorer Found Guilty in Rust Shooting Case, Faces Prison Sentence

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
06/03/2024 23h56

In a dramatic conclusion to the highly-publicized trial surrounding the tragic shooting on the set of the film "Rust," armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been found guilty and now faces a potential prison sentence of up to three years. The verdict was announced by the jury foreperson, as Gutierrez-Reed showed little emotion. A judge subsequently ordered her immediate custody pending sentencing.

The criminal trial, which lasted nearly two weeks, primarily focused on the shooting incident that resulted in the death of cinematographer Haylna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. It was revealed that actor Alec Baldwin had held a prop gun that unexpectedly discharged a live round, causing the fatal accident.

During the prosecution's closing arguments, special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey portrayed Gutierrez-Reed as negligent and thoughtless, emphasizing her alleged carelessness in handling the firearms. Morrissey further criticized Gutierrez-Reed for showing more concern about her career than the victims in the aftermath of the tragedy.

In the defense's argument, Gutierrez-Reed's attorney, Jason Bowles, claimed that the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that his client was responsible for bringing live rounds onto the set. Bowles directed blame towards Baldwin, suggesting that the actor's deviation from the script and gun handling ultimately led to Hutchins' death. He argued that Gutierrez-Reed did not point the weapon in question.

Interestingly, the prosecution also criticized Baldwin's conduct on set, describing him as a "prima donna." However, Baldwin's own trial is set to begin in July, focusing specifically on his actions and responsibility in the incident.

Throughout the trial, several eyewitnesses, including director Joel Souza, recounted the confusion and chaos that ensued after the shooting. Souza described the sensation of being shot as similar to being struck by a baseball bat, but he initially did not realize the severity of his injuries until informed by medical personnel.

Another key witness was Dave Halls, the film's safety coordinator, who had previously pleaded no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon. Halls emotionally admitted to improper checks of the firearm and acknowledged his failure to notice if Gutierrez-Reed had thoroughly inspected all the bullets.

During the trial, Gutierrez-Reed's behavior on the "Rust" set was characterized as sloppy and unprofessional by special prosecutor Jason Lewis. Lewis contended that her negligent acts and failures contributed to Hutchins' tragic death.

The appointment of special prosecutors Morrissey and Lewis in March 2023 came after the resignation of the previous special prosecutor.

Gutierrez-Reed's attorney, Bowles, requested that his client be allowed to remain free until sentencing, highlighting her consistent appearance at all court proceedings. However, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer denied the request and ordered Gutierrez-Reed's immediate remand, citing the gravity of the conviction and the loss of life.

A specific date for sentencing has yet to be determined, but Bowles expressed that April would be a suitable timeframe for the proceeding. As Gutierrez-Reed awaits her fate, the tragic incident on the "Rust" set continues to raise questions about gun safety and accountability in the entertainment industry.

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