Movie Armorer's Conviction Upheld Amid Ongoing Controversy

Movie Armorer's Legal Battle Continues

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge on Monday upheld an involuntary manslaughter conviction against a movie armorer in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western film “Rust.” Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed asked a court to dismiss her involuntary manslaughter conviction or convene a new trial in the shooting death, alleging misconduct and suppression of evidence by law enforcement.

Details of the Case

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer halted and ended Baldwin’s trial in July based on misconduct of police and prosecutors and their withholding evidence from the defense in the 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set outside Santa Fe. Gutierrez-Reed was convicted by a jury in March in a trial overseen by Marlowe Sommer, who later sentenced her to the maximum 18-month penalty.

• Gutierrez-Reed has an appeal pending in a higher court.
• Prosecutors blame her for bringing live ammunition onto the set and for failing to adhere to gun safety protocols.
• Her attorneys argue that evidence was not shared that might clear her name.

Gutierrez-Reed also faces a separate felony charge for allegedly carrying a gun into a bar in Santa Fe, where firearms are prohibited. A proposed plea agreement is awaiting court review.

Alec Baldwin's Role

Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer for “Rust,” was pointing a gun at Hutchins during a rehearsal when the revolver discharged, leading to Hutchins's death and injuries to director Joel Souza.