‘Rust’ Armorer Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter Despite Alec Baldwin Getting Off Scot-Free

The ‘Rust’ movie set’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will be facing involuntary manslaughter charges even after Alec Baldwin, who discharged the weapon, had his charges dropped.

Gutierrez-Reed had her court date set for August 9th by the New Mexico judge on the case. In October 2021, Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Haylna Hutchins. Gutierrez-Reed is being accused of “sloppy mishandling of firearms,” as she was responsible for the firearms and ammunition used on set, the New York Post reported.

She plead not guilty to the Santa Fe District Attorney’s charges on January 31. Gutierrez-Reed’s hearing will run from August 9 to August 16. The defense is expected to produce witnesses to cross-examine and the judge will decide whether the trial will continue or not.

The New York Post reported:

Gutierrez-Reed “had been in charge of initially loading the vintage Colt .45 revolver Baldwin ultimately used in the October 2021 disaster.”

“But she then allegedly left the church set where the scene was being filmed and was not present when the life-ending shot was fired. She claimed later to police no one notified her the weapon was being used on the set.”

Following the tragic shooting, investigators on the scene found both live rounds and fake bullets which violated safety laws that Gutierrez-Reed is bound to adhere to. Lawyers representing Baldwin applauded a “proper investigation.”

“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” Baldwin’s counsel told the Post.

In late January, prosecutors revealed that Baldwin was “distracted” on his cellphone, talking to his family, during a required firearms training. The training, meant to be an hour long, lasted 30 minutes “due to the distraction of him talking to his family on his cell phone.”

“The on-set and limited time of training does not comport to industry standards. Baldwin’s failure to ensure minimum standards were met is considered reckless in the industry,” prosecutors said.