‘Rust' Armorer Guilty In Fatal Shooting Of Cinematographer On Film Set; Alec Baldwin Trial Next
"Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
After hours of deliberation on Wednesday, a panel of seven women and five men gave their verdict on the criminal case of the indie Western crew member regarding the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on Oct. 21, 2021, Deadline reported.
The jury found Gutierrez-Reed guilty of involuntary manslaughter but not guilty of evidence tampering.
When the verdict was being read out, her stepfather, Thell Reed, a famed movie gun coach, and "Rust" ammunition supplier Seth Kenney were watching in the Santa Fe courtroom.
Meanwhile, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer took her into custody.
Deadline noted that a sentencing hearing was potentially set for April. With the split verdict by the jury, Gutierrez-Reed could be sentenced to 18 months in state prison and a fine of several thousand dollars, at most.
If found guilty on both charges, she could face up to three years in state prison.
While on the set of "Rust" at Bonanza Creek Ranch on Oct. 21, 2021, Hutchins was tragically killed when Alec Baldwin misfired a prop gun.
The 42-year-old cinematographer was shot and killed by Baldwin while he was practicing his prop gun for the film -- a Colt .45 revolver.
Authorities reported at the time that Hutchins was killed by a live round inside the actor's gun, despite first assistant director David Halls telling the crew that it was a "cold gun" and no live rounds were used.
Aside from Hutchins' death on the set, director Joel Souza suffered injuries.
After Gutierrez-Reed's sentencing next month, Baldwin is set for trial on July 9 for involuntary manslaughter.
If found guilty, he could be sentenced to 18 months in prison. The multi-Emmy-winning actor also faces a series of civil cases related to the film's shooting in California and New Mexico courts.
"Rust" continued filming last year in Montana and has since been completed. However, it is still reportedly looking for a buyer.
