Prosecutors Push for Maximum Sentence of 18 Months for 'Rust' Movie Armorer

Prosecutors are requesting an 18-month prison sentence for “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the maximum for the involuntary manslaughter charge she was convicted of. They argue that she has not taken responsibility for her actions, as stated in a court document filed on Friday.

In March, Gutierrez Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Hutchins was fatally shot by a live round from a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of “Rust.” Additionally, Gutierrez Reed was cleared of a charge of evidence tampering.

Alec Baldwin in New York in November 2023.

Alec Baldwin in New York in November 2023.

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

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According to new legal filing, prosecutors claim Alec Baldwin had ‘no control of his own emotions’ on ‘Rust’ set. Gutierrez Reed, in charge of firearm safety and storage, is scheduled for sentencing on Monday. If found guilty, Gutierrez Reed could face the maximum prison time and a $5,000 fine.

She was the first person to go on trial in a case that brought attention to safety standards in the movie industry, specifically the violations on this particular set. Prosecutors claimed Gutierrez Reed did not follow safety protocols on set and acted recklessly while performing her duties as armorer, which ultimately resulted in Hutchins’ death.

Similarly, Baldwin, who was handling the weapon, is now also being charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to Hutchins’ tragic passing.

Special prosecutors in New Mexico recently filed a legal document stating that Baldwin's actions on set played a role in safety issues that ultimately resulted in the tragic shooting incident. This filing was a response to Baldwin's request in March to have the charges against him dropped.

Back in January, Baldwin entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter related to the shooting.

Gutierrez Reed's attorney recently filed a sentencing memorandum, requesting a conditional discharge for her. The attorney noted that she has no prior criminal history and has a history of doing good deeds.

CNN has reached out to Gutierrez Reed's attorney for a comment.

The special prosecutor’s office believes Gutierrez Reed should receive the maximum sentence, pointing to summaries of her jailhouse calls as evidence.

In these calls, prosecutors claim she accused the set medic and paramedics for Hutchins’ death, alleged a conspiracy against her involving the judge and special prosecutor’s office, and used derogatory names for the jurors. Additionally, based on the timeline of one call, prosecutors suspect Gutierrez Reed may have consumed alcohol, which would violate the terms of her release.

CNN has requested the prosecutor’s office for the complete transcripts and recordings of the calls.

According to court documents, Gutierrez Reed is also charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm in a licensed liquor establishment. This occurred when she brought a gun into a bar and filmed herself in the bathroom. The case is still ongoing, as per court records.

Editor's P/S:

The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the fatal shooting on the set of "Rust" highlight the complex and tragic consequences of negligence and disregard for safety protocols. The prosecution's request for the maximum sentence for Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer convicted of involuntary manslaughter, reflects the severity of her actions and the need to hold individuals accountable for their role in such incidents. It is essential that the film industry prioritizes safety and establishes clear guidelines to prevent future tragedies.

Moreover, the allegations against Alec Baldwin, who was holding the weapon that discharged, further underscore the shared responsibility for creating a safe working environment. The upcoming trial will shed light on his actions and determine his culpability. The outcome of these cases will have significant implications for the entertainment industry and serve as a reminder of the paramount importance of safety on film sets.