The first sentence has been handed down since the shooting on the set of Alex Baldwin’s movie “Rust.”
On October 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot when a gun held by actor Alec Baldwin “accidentally” discharged. Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer responsible for firearms on the set, has since been sentenced.
Hannah Gutierrez Reed was recently sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter by a jury. This sentencing took place in a New Mexico courthouse. The 18-month sentence was the maximum time Gutierrez Reed could receive, and she has already spent about a month behind bars.
During the trial, it was revealed that Gutierrez Reed was responsible for the safety of the weapons on set. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, in her ruling, expressed stern words about Gutierrez Reed’s role in the accident, highlighting her responsibility in turning what should have been a safe weapon into a lethal one. The judge emphasized that Gutierrez Reed’s actions, or lack thereof, directly contributed to the death of Mrs. Hutchins, leaving a family without a wife and mother and a community in mourning.
Movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western film “Rust.” pic.twitter.com/eiysocvmub
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) April 15, 2024
In court, Gutierrez Reed made a statement, expressing her sorrow and sympathy for the Hutchins family and all those affected by the tragedy. She acknowledged the profound impact the incident has had on her personally and professionally, stating that the media portrayal has been harsh and that she’s been portrayed in a light contrary to her intentions and character.
Gutierrez Reed’s defense argued for leniency based on her lack of prior criminal history, her personal character traits, and challenges such as her father’s cancer diagnosis, for which she was a caregiver. Despite these arguments, the prosecution pushed back, citing instances where Gutierrez Reed referred to the jury in derogatory terms during jailhouse calls, questioning the integrity of the trial process.
Moreover, the armorer was acquitted of a separate charge of evidence tampering related to the incident, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
