The person responsible for handling guns on the set of a movie has been given the harshest punishment possible – 18 months in jail – for accidentally causing the death of a cinematographer when Alec Baldwin fired a gun on the “Rust” movie set. Now, the focus is shifting to prosecuting Alec Baldwin himself.
A judge in New Mexico decided that Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s carelessness was a serious offense, noting her lack of genuine remorse since being convicted in March. Prosecutors blame Gutierrez-Reed for bringing real bullets onto the set, where they were not allowed, and for not following basic gun safety rules.
Now, all eyes are on Alec Baldwin’s upcoming trial for involuntary manslaughter in the October 2021 shooting that killed Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. Baldwin claims he didn’t pull the trigger, but the gun went off during a rehearsal.
Here’s what to know about Baldwin’s case:
- Prosecutors say there were many safety violations on the movie set, starting with Gutierrez-Reed.
- Gutierrez-Reed apologized for her actions but still got the maximum sentence. The judge said her recklessness deserved it.
- Hutchins, who died at 42, was remembered as courageous and compassionate. Her family wants justice.
- Hutchins’ family is seeking damages from Baldwin for her death.
- Baldwin’s initial charge was dropped, but he was indicted again in January. If convicted, he could face up to 18 months in jail.
- Baldwin’s lawyers want the case dismissed, accusing prosecutors of unfair tactics.
- An FBI expert testified that the gun was functional, contradicting Baldwin’s claims.
- Gutierrez-Reed plans to appeal her sentence.
- Gutierrez-Reed was acquitted of tampering with evidence but still faces another charge for bringing a gun into a bar.
Despite the tragedy, there’s still a lot of legal back-and-forth happening, and both Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin are facing serious consequences for their roles in the shooting.
