An armorer involved in Alec Baldwin’s film “Rust” has pleaded guilty to a gun charge in a separate case. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie armorer linked to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust,” has accepted guilt for carrying a gun into a licensed liquor establishment.
In a courtroom appearance, Gutierrez-Reed agreed to change her plea to guilty in exchange for 18 months of supervised probation. The judge approved the deal, allowing her to commence probation concurrently with serving an 18-month prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins’ death.
Prosecutors in the “Rust” case attributed the tragedy to Gutierrez-Reed for inadvertently introducing live ammunition onto the set and failing to adhere to basic gun safety measures. When pleading guilty, Gutierrez-Reed expressed remorse and gratitude towards the court for its judgment.
The incident stemmed from evidence showing Gutierrez-Reed entering a bar with a firearm weeks prior to filming “Rust,” where firearms were prohibited. Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey presented a video seized from Gutierrez-Reed’s phone during the investigation, showing her in possession of a handgun in the bar’s bathroom.
Gutierrez-Reed was previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March regarding Hutchins’ death but has filed an appeal. Despite the dismissal of an involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin due to withheld evidence, Morrissey has requested a reconsideration from the judge.
As part of her plea agreement, Gutierrez-Reed is restricted from firearm possession, alcohol or drug consumption during probation. She must also pay fees, provide a DNA sample, and complete an addiction treatment program. According to her defence attorney, Gutierrez-Reed may be released from prison by June 2025 to fulfill probation in Arizona without incurring an additional felony conviction.
The case continues to raise questions and shed light on the tragic accident that unfolded during the filming of “Rust,” bringing attention to the importance of safety protocols and adherence to regulations on film sets.