SANTA FE, N.M. – In a dramatic turn of events, a judge is set to weigh in on the case of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie armorer charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the tragic shooting incident on the set of the film “Rust” involving actor Alec Baldwin.
Gutierrez-Reed is seeking a retrial or dismissal of her conviction due to allegations of withheld evidence by the prosecution, including crucial information about the ammunition involved in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer is revisiting Gutierrez-Reed’s case after a partial dismissal of charges against Baldwin during the same trial, citing similar concerns about evidence disclosure.
The armorer, who is currently serving an 18-month sentence, maintains her innocence and has challenged the jury’s verdict. Prosecutors claim Gutierrez-Reed’s negligence led to the presence of live ammunition on the set, resulting in the tragic incident.
Apart from her conviction in the “Rust” case, Gutierrez-Reed also faces separate charges related to carrying a gun into a bar in Santa Fe, where firearms are prohibited. A plea agreement is pending court approval.
The shooting incident on the set of “Rust” unfolded when Baldwin, handling a prop gun, unintentionally discharged a round that fatally wounded Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. Baldwin has maintained that the gun discharged without him pulling the trigger.
Gutierrez-Reed’s legal team contends that crucial evidence was not shared by the prosecution, potentially impacting the outcome of the trial. The case continues to stir controversy and raise questions about safety protocols on movie sets.
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