'Rust' armorer pleads for leniency in involuntary manslaughter case
Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer responsible for weapon safety on the Rust film set, is seeking leniency in her upcoming sentencing. She faces charges of involuntary manslaughter following the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident occurred when a live round was mistakenly loaded into a prop gun handled by actor-producer Alec Baldwin, causing fatal injuries to Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Defense team based argument on client's public scrutiny
Gutierrez Reed's defense team, consisting of attorneys Jason Bowles and Monnica Barreras, argued on Wednesday that their client has already faced significant public scrutiny. The defense maintained that regardless of the court's decision, Gutierrez Reed will continue to bear the weight of this tragedy, so she be sentenced to probation. The sentencing is set for Monday and the armorer faces up to 18 months in prison.
She hasn't been able to express sorrow amid legal complications
The defense team also revealed that the 26-year-old wishes to express her "deep sadness" to Hutchins's family. However, ongoing legal matters have prevented her from doing so. They highlighted the devastating impact of the incident on all involved, including their client. "The tragic series of events that unfolded that day destroyed and altered many people's lives, including Ms. Gutierrez Reed's."
Trial revealed negligence in handling firearms on set
The conviction last month followed a two-week trial where it was argued that Gutierrez Reed failed to uphold safety standards regarding firearms on set. Evidence suggested she neglected to secure weapons and ammunition properly and did not correct actors who mishandled guns during breaks. It was also revealed that six live rounds were mistakenly brought onto the set among dummy rounds, for which Gutierrez Reed was held accountable.
Friends testified to Gutierrez Reed's remorse and character
During the trial, lead prosecutor Kari Morrissey highlighted Gutierrez Reed was immediately concerned for her career following the shooting incident. On the other hand, friends of the armorer submitted letters to the judge attesting to her character and noting that she expressed deep remorse. One such letter from Donna Kay Cotten stated that Gutierrez Reed deeply regrets her role in the tragic event.
Plea deal rejected over disagreement on responsibility
Before the trial, a plea deal was proposed that would have resulted in a more lenient sentence if Gutierrez Reed accepted responsibility for bringing live rounds onto the set. However, Cotten's letter revealed that Gutierrez Reed requested to have this condition removed from the agreement, as she did not believe she was responsible for the live rounds' presence on set. The defense will contest the conviction.
