Tactical
“Rust” Armorer Given Max Sentence After Baldwin Shooting Fiasco
In retrospect to the fatal shooting that took place on the set of the movie “Rust” in October 2021, the individual responsible for the safety of ammunition and firearms on set, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has been sentenced to the maximum penalty. This tragic incident resulted in the death of 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Just last month, Gutierrez-Reed, 24 years of age at the time of the incident, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Despite being acquitted of a lesser charge relating to evidence tampering, as reported by Blaze News, the onus was on her for not ensuring the safety of the ammunition and firearms on set. This included loading the live round into the firearm that fired the fatal shot.
During her sentencing hearing on Monday, Gutierrez-Reed was visibly distressed. Her lawyer, Jason Bowles, had pleaded for her to be released conditionally along with therapy. Bowles defended her by stating she was a “scapegoat” for the shooting and asserting that she “has endured and will continue to endure collateral consequences far harsher than most defendants ever must face.”
However, Prosecutor Kari Morrissey was not moved. She would have potentially advocated for a lighter sentence for the “unprecedented case,” but recent jail phone calls allegedly featuring Gutierrez-Reed referring to jurors using derogatory terms changed her stance.
In addition to these allegations, reports suggest that Gutierrez-Reed violated her release conditions by consuming alcohol while awaiting trial. She also purportedly misinformed prosecutors about her employment history and allegedly instigated her mother to confront them at court, the New York Post reports.
Gutierrez-Reed “continues to deny responsibility and blame others,” prosecutors highlighted in a letter last week.
During the hearing, Morrissey expressed her disappointment: “It was my sincere hope during this process that there would be some moment when Ms. Gutierrez took responsibility and expressed some level of remorse that was genuine. That moment has never come. Ms. Gutierrez continues to refuse to take responsibility for her role in the death of Halyna Hutchins.”
Backing up her sentiment, District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer concurred, sentencing Gutierrez-Reed to 18 months in prison – the maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter in the state of New Mexico, where “Rust” was filmed. “You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon,” the judge addressed the defendant. “But for you, a husband would have his wife and a little boy would have his mother.”
Gutierrez-Reed’s conviction has kept her incarcerated, and her defense attorney, Bowles, has given indication of an appeal.
During the hearing, several of Hutchins’ loved ones shared their impact statements, expressing the ongoing effects of their loss. Emilia Mendieta, one of Hutchins’ close friends, referred to Hutchins’ death as a consequence of “a massive system failure,” of which Gutierrez-Reed was part. “Why was there a live bullet on set? … That is where Hannah Gutierrez-Reed failed Halyna. It was her job to check the gun, check the bullets, to ensure that Halyna was safe,” she asserted.
Family friend Steven Metz shared that Halyna’s husband, Matt Hutchins, “basically … died” when she did. He expresses, “There is really no excuse [for her death].”
Actor Alec Baldwin, who allegedly fired the fatal shot, is also facing an involuntary manslaughter charge in connection with the case. Despite evidence suggesting he pulled the trigger, Baldwin insists that the firearm malfunctioned. His trial is set for July.
David Halls, the first assistant director on “Rust,” admitted to negligent use of a deadly weapon and received probation as his sentence.
The movie “Rust” resumed filming after the fatal incident but it hasn’t been released yet. As part of a wrongful death lawsuit settlement, Matthew Hutchins was appointed an executive producer.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tactical
Trio of Burglars No Match for Armed Homeowner
A residential disturbance involving armed intruders striking after midnight in Hamilton County, Tennessee, took a fatal turn last week.
The homeowner, faced with a trio of trespassers, defended their property with lethal force. Two of the intruders managed to flee, but one failed to escape and met an untimely end on the premises.
The event transpired on Shirley Pond Road, in the neighborhood of Harrison, approximately half an hour northeast of Chattanooga. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident around 1:25 a.m. and proceeded to conduct an initial investigation.
“Three armed suspects broke into the home, and the homeowner confronted them, after which gunfire was exchanged.”
Amidst the flurry of bullets, one of the invaders was hit and subsequently succumbed to their injuries on site. The Sheriff’s office added that the other two intruders made their escape through a window, fleeing the scene.
Despite an immediate search of the area by law enforcement personnel, the two fleeing suspects eluded capture. As the investigation is ongoing, officials are withholding the identities of all involved parties.
The homeowner, whose identity is being protected for safety reasons, revealed that this was the second consecutive night his home had been targeted. This spate of home invasions has left residents of the typically peaceful neighborhood in shock.
The Sheriff’s office investigators emphasized that this type of crime is an anomaly in the area. The community shared their thoughts about the unexpected situation, with sentiments ranging from advocacy for strength and self-defense to relief for the homeowner’s safety.
“We the people must remain vigilant; [when there’s a] home invasion, shoot first and ask questions later; remind the perps that this ain’t [California]; we’re armed and not scared to use ’em; WE ARE THE SOUTH!” one resident opined.
Another comment on social media stated, “Good; perpetrators shouldn’t break into homes; it’s called divine intervention; get a job.”
Meanwhile, a comment under the WTVC story read, “I’m thankful the victim was able to defend family, home, and life.”
The investigation continues, as does the neighborhood’s recovery from an unnerving ordeal. Moving forward, it’s clear that vigilance, preparedness, and community solidarity will be more important than ever in maintaining safety and peace of mind.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tactical
Home Security Video Shows Armed Intruder’s Blunder with Unloaded Gun
A terrifying encounter with an armed intruder was captured on surveillance footage at a residence in McDowell County, North Carolina. The couple residing in the home shared the chilling footage, featuring an individual identified as Tyler Messer, with local media and authorities.
Standing on their back porch, Messer was recorded as he pointed an unloaded rifle at the couple, who were inside their dwelling at the time.
Preston McHone, one of the homeowners, detailed the spine-chilling event to WLOS:
“As I’m folding one towel, I have my phone lying in front of me and I see an alert that there’s some motion on the back. So, I just turn around and yell, ‘Billy, there’s somebody at our back door with a gun,’”
The incident occurred around 11 p.m., with Messer still present on the porch, appearing to attempt to fire his weapon. Audio captured by the surveillance video failed to register any gunshot sounds, suggesting the gun’s chamber was empty. It’s still unknown whether the gun simply misfired, as local news outlets have speculated.
Messer can be seen inspecting his weapon after the failed trigger pull, before hastily departing from the scene.
The suspect’s motivations remain uncertain. Official documents from the law enforcement investigation describe Messer as having mental health issues.
“Defendant is mentally ill. Defendant stated to family that he was going to rid the world of sin,” states the McDowell County Magistrate Bail Explanation Form.
McHone further dissected the eerie encounter, stating:
“As he pulls the trigger, he turns and, in that short turn, he’s realizing it didn’t go off because he’s supposed to, at that point, have shot [my partner] and would be turning towards me. He didn’t follow through because he missed one step, and that was loading his weapon.”
After the unnerving incident, the couple took shelter within their home, anxiously waiting for the police to arrive. They were soon informed that it wasn’t Messer’s first visit to their property. Over the past year, he had allegedly shown up at their residence three different times, reportedly searching for his father – a man the couple claims not to know.
Following the incident, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged Messer with assault by pointing a gun, first-degree trespassing, and stalking, and his bail was set at $200,000. Two days later, the 29-year-old’s charges were elevated to include attempted murder.
Watch the chilling moment below:
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Tactical
85-Year-Old Idaho Woman Outsmarts, Eliminates Violent Intruder
The tranquil serenity of rural Idaho was shattered recently when an 85-year-old woman was forced to defend her home and her life against a violent intruder.
The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office reported a chilling scene. The officers, who arrived in response to a distress call, found a man dead from gunshot wounds and the elderly homeowner injured but alive.
The nightmare unfolded around 2 a.m. as 39-year-old Derek Ephriam Condon parked his vehicle a mile away to avoid detection before breaking into the woman’s home. Dressed in a military jacket and black ski mask, Condon used a screwdriver to penetrate the home’s sanctuary through a window.
The once peaceful sleep of homeowner Christine Jenneiahn was brutally disrupted as Condon struck her in the head with his weapon. Evidence of this violent encounter was later confirmed by police who found traces of her blood on her pillow.
Jenneiahn was next dragged to the living room, where Condon handcuffed her to a wooden chair. He demanded the location of her valuables. When she insisted she had little of value, Condon’s frustration escalated, and he pressed his gun against her head.
In an attempt to deflect his anger, she told Condon about two safes located downstairs. As he went to investigate her claim, he discovered her disabled son in the home, further enraging him.
However, Condon’s departure offered Jenneiahn a lifeline. She seized the opportunity to drag herself and her chair towards her pillow, where she kept concealed a .357 Magnum revolver. With the weapon now in her possession, she waited for Condon’s next move.
According to Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley, Condon had made threats on Jenneiahn’s life as he ransacked her home. Sensing the imminent danger, she made the courageous decision to defend herself and fired her weapon at the intruder.
Condon was hit twice but managed to return fire, striking Jenneiahn multiple times with a 9mm gun. He eventually succumbed to his wounds in the kitchen, while Jenneiahn, still handcuffed to the chair, was left on the floor for 10 agonizing hours until her son could bring her a phone to call the police. She was subsequently transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The crime scene told a chilling tale. Police discovered Condon’s abandoned car near the home, with footprints leading right to the house. On Condon’s body, they found a set of lock picks and a bag filled with some of Jenneiahn’s possessions.
Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley labeled the ordeal as a “justifiable homicide” under the Idaho criminal code, praising Jenneiahn’s bravery in the face of extreme danger.
He remarked, “Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night.”
He further added, “Christine was justified in taking any and all means necessary to defend herself and her son that night.” This story serves as a stark reminder that the will to survive can be a powerful force against the deepest adversity.
Watch a local news report about the chilling incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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jimmy boyett
April 21, 2024 at 4:34 pm
Any idiot would check any firearm to see if it had a LIVE ROUND in it, but baldwin is too damn stupid to check the weapon, he had rather blame every one else, the dumb bastard should get the maximum sentence, however due to his wealth, he will Not have to do time, soo unfair ?
K.A. Davison
April 21, 2024 at 4:52 pm
I will predict that when this is finally adjudicated, we will hear of Mr. Baldwin being painted as a co-equal victim in the shooting and that “the system” is pleased with having the armorer behind bars. The judge will say something like “Mr. Baldwin I wish to thank you for your patience in this matter, you are now free to live your life and you may return to your habit of accosting strangers on the streets of NYC and acting the tough guy. . . and may I have your autograph before you leave.”
Paul
April 21, 2024 at 6:23 pm
As an instructor, it is the handlers responsibility to check every firearm, every time. I never hand a loaded firearm to anyone! You load it, you shoot it, you learn your firearm. He is 100% liable for cocking it and pulling the trigger, single action forearms don’t just go off, especially with the supplier making sure they are in perfect working condition when they are rented to the movie company. There never should have been any live ammo on the set, that is the fault of whom ever brought it, and they should not have been shooting on break. What a chicken shit for trying to pass the responsibility on to someone else. He’s a dumb ass!
Bret
April 22, 2024 at 12:24 pm
If you have a firearm in your hand, you are responsible for knowing if it’s loaded, is the safety on or off, where it’s pointed and what it is loaded with. It is just like Hollywood to pass this responsibility off to the peons on the set because you know, stars are too important to be responsible for what everyone is in America is responsible for.