Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the film Rust, is set to go on trial for involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins by actor Alec Baldwin on set.
Prosecutors allege Gutierrez-Reed was negligent in her duties by failing to properly check the ammunition and allowing live rounds on set, in violation of safety protocols.
While she claims any live rounds were planted without her knowledge, prosecutors say photos show live ammo was present days before the shooting.
Her defense argues the evidence is flimsy and prosecutors are acting vindictively by pursuing additional charges.
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey argued, “Ms. Gutierrez is not charged with intentional homicide, she is charged with homicide based on negligence.”
“The tragedy occurred due to a series of negligent acts given that live rounds were on set well before October 21, 2021. Her ongoing negligent acts created numerous opportunities for live rounds to go undetected,” she continued.
“The state has always been open to resolving Ms. Gutierrez’s cases, on one condition — that she take responsibility for the fact that she unknowingly brought live ammunition onto the set of ‘Rust,’” wrote Morrissey.
A conviction could have legal implications for Baldwin as well, though he maintains he did not know the gun contained live ammunition.
The trial may help determine how live rounds ended up on a movie set where they were prohibited.
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