“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.

What action should be taken to ensure firearm safety on movie sets?

Mandatory Firearms Safety Training for All Crew

Stricter Regulations and Checks

Ban on Real Firearms

More Severe Legal Penalties