The legal proceedings surrounding the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust continue to unfold.
A New Mexico judge is set to deliberate on a motion to dismiss the case against armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the incident.
This comes after her attorneys filed a motion citing egregious prosecutorial misconduct and serious discovery violations by the prosecution.
During a hearing held recently, Gutierrez Reed’s lawyers requested that not only her conviction be overturned but also that she be released from prison.
They are pushing for the removal of Kari Morrissey, the special prosecutor, due to the alleged misconduct in the case.
Prosecutors responded by arguing that Gutierrez Reed’s request for immediate release is premature, prompting the judge to announce she would issue a ruling on the dismissal motion next week.
The backdrop of this case is significant. On October 21, 2021, Hutchins was killed by a live round fired from a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin, who has also been indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges and has pleaded not guilty.
The case has sparked widespread debate regarding safety protocols on film sets and accountability for the tragic event.
Gutierrez Reed, who was responsible for the firearms on set, is currently serving an 18-month sentence after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March 2024.
Prosecutors claimed that she neglected her duties by allowing live ammunition on set, while her defense argued that the blame was misdirected, pointing to broader safety failures by the film’s management.
In a parallel development, Baldwin’s case was dismissed after the judge found that the prosecution had not adequately shared critical evidence with the defense, which included a box of ammunition connected to the case.
This dismissal was notable for its emphasis on prosecutorial conduct, reflecting the ongoing complexities in the legal proceedings stemming from this high-profile incident.
As the legal saga continues, the outcomes for both Gutierrez Reed and Baldwin remain uncertain, with implications for industry safety standards and legal accountability on film sets.