In a significant development in the manslaughter trial linked to the tragic shooting incident on the set of the film Rust, armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 26, has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter. The jury's decision comes after Gutierrez-Reed failed to adhere to firearm safety protocols, resulting in the unfortunate death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.

Juror Alberto Sanchez, speaking to Good Morning America, emphasized the critical role Gutierrez-Reed played in ensuring on-set safety. Sanchez stated that Hutchins's untimely demise was a direct consequence of Gutierrez-Reed's negligence in her responsibility as an armorer. Failure to check the weapon and the rounds was cited as a grave oversight that led to the tragic accident.

For Sanchez, reaching a guilty verdict was not a challenging decision, as he emphasized a strong commitment to safety. The incident occurred during a rehearsal for the western film when actor Alec Baldwin, also a co-producer for the project, unintentionally discharged a prop gun, fatally injuring Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.

Following two and a half hours of deliberation, a New Mexico jury determined Gutierrez-Reed's culpability in the incident, highlighting her failure to follow basic safety procedures. Prosecutors argued that her actions were reckless and negligent, ultimately leading to the loss of a life. Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey pointed out that this was not a single mistake but a pattern of safety failures that had tragic consequences.

In response, Gutierrez-Reed's defense team attempted to shift the blame onto other entities involved in the film, primarily the producers, including Alec Baldwin. They argued that Gutierrez-Reed was being used as a scapegoat. Her attorney confirmed plans to appeal the decision. Currently in custody, Gutierrez-Reed faces a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison along with a $5,000 fine.

Furthermore, Gutierrez-Reed had also faced charges of evidence tampering, but the jury acquitted her of these charges. It is worth noting that Alec Baldwin, too, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the shooting incident. He has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled to commence in July.

The conviction of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed brings a measure of closure to a devastating incident that shook the film industry and raised critical questions about on-set safety practices. The trial has shed light on the importance of strict adherence to firearm safety procedures in any professional setting.