The trial of Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer on the set of the film “Rust,” began on Thursday in New Mexico. The trial revolves around the tragic incident that took place in October 2021, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
During the opening statements, prosecutor Jason Lewis emphasized Gutierrez Reed’s “sloppy” and “unprofessional” conduct, holding her accountable for the death of Halyna Hutchins. Lewis argued that Gutierrez Reed had failed to properly check the ammunition loaded into the gun wielded by actor Alec Baldwin, which ultimately led to the fatal shooting.
Lewis claimed that Gutierrez Reed treated safety protocols as optional and neglected her duties as an armorer, contributing to the loss of Hutchins’ life. The prosecutor also mentioned that Gutierrez Reed had previously mishandled ammunition, highlighting a pattern of negligence.
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On the other hand, defense lawyer Jason Bowles placed the blame on Baldwin and the production, arguing that Gutierrez Reed was being made a scapegoat. Bowles emphasized that Gutierrez Reed was the least powerful person on set and that Baldwin, as the film’s star and producer, had control over the overall safety of the production.
Hannah Gutierrez Reed is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering. If convicted, she could face up to three years in prison. The prosecution alleges that Gutierrez Reed failed to exercise due caution and acted negligently, leading to Hutchins’ death.
Additionally, the prosecution claims that Gutierrez Reed knowingly possessed live rounds and that she was responsible for bringing them to the set. The presence of live ammunition on a movie set is a serious breach of safety protocols and poses a significant risk to the cast and crew.
Furthermore, Gutierrez Reed is accused of tampering with evidence by allegedly handing a baggie of cocaine to a fellow crew member on the night following the shooting. The evidence tampering charge adds another layer of complexity to the trial.
The defense’s main argument revolves around the assertion that Gutierrez Reed was not solely responsible for the incident. Bowles argued that Baldwin’s actions, specifically pointing the gun at Hutchins, played a crucial role in the tragic outcome. The defense also questioned Baldwin’s training and his understanding of how to perform a cross-draw.
Bowles highlighted the workplace safety investigation, which identified numerous safety violations on the set of “Rust.” He argued that Gutierrez Reed was overwhelmed with multiple responsibilities and was not provided adequate support and training. The defense portrayed Gutierrez Reed as a scapegoat for the production’s rush to complete the film and secure funding.
One of the key points of contention in the trial is the presence of live rounds on the set. The prosecution asserts that Gutierrez Reed had failed to ensure the exclusive use of dummy ammunition, leading to the fatal incident. They presented a photograph showing a box of dummy ammunition with at least one live round, allegedly brought by Gutierrez Reed.
The defense countered this argument by highlighting that dummy rounds can also have silver primers, making it difficult to distinguish between live and inert ammunition based on visual inspection alone. Bowles emphasized that a photograph cannot definitively determine the nature of a round.
The workplace safety investigation conducted after the incident revealed numerous safety violations on the set of “Rust.” The defense argued that these violations were indicative of a rushed production focused on completing the film quickly rather than ensuring the safety of the cast and crew.
Gutierrez Reed’s defense team emphasized that she was assigned multiple roles, serving as both a props assistant and an armorer. They argued that the excessive workload and the number of weapons on set stretched her thin, contributing to the lapse in safety protocols.
The trial is expected to feature several key witnesses, shedding light on the events leading up to the incident. Joel Souza, the film’s director who was injured in the shooting, is among the witnesses expected to testify. His account will provide insights into the moments before and after the tragic incident.
David Halls, the first assistant director, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for negligent handling of a gun, will also testify. His testimony will likely shed light on the overall safety culture on the set and the chain of command.
Thell Reed, Gutierrez Reed’s stepfather and an experienced Hollywood armorer, will provide expert testimony regarding industry standards and the responsibilities of an armorer.
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After the shooting, law enforcement officers arrived at the Bonanza Creek Ranch to a chaotic scene. Deputy Nicholas LeFleur and Lt. Tim Benavidez, two of the first responders, testified about the immediate aftermath of the incident. Approximately 200 people were present at the site, and paramedics were attending to Hutchins and Souza.
The deputies collected the gun and two boxes of dummy ammunition as part of the evidence collection process. However, the defense questioned their handling of the witnesses, suggesting that their proximity may have influenced their accounts.
The trial is anticipated to last for at least two weeks, providing ample time for the presentation of evidence and witness testimonies. The complex nature of the case and the various legal arguments put forth by the prosecution and defense contribute to the expected duration.
The outcome of this trial will have significant implications for the film industry, particularly regarding safety protocols on movie sets. The Rust incident served as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of stringent safety measures to protect the lives of everyone involved in film production.
