'Rust' Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to Spend 18 Months in Jail Following Fatal Shooting

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the Rust armorer involved in the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie, received an 18-month prison sentence in a New Mexico state court.

This decision follows her conviction for involuntary manslaughter stemming from the tragic incident in 2021, CBS News reports.

The Rust shooting occurred during a rehearsal when actor Alec Baldwin discharged live rounds from a prop gun.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer delivered the sentence, concluding a highly emotional hearing.

Gutierrez-Reed, now 27, displayed no visible reaction to the sentence and was escorted from the courtroom following its announcement.

The verdict arrives more than two years after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, aged 42, was fatally shot on October 21, 2021.

Gutierrez-Reed served as the film's armorer, responsible for firearm safety and storage on set. She is the first individual to stand trial and be convicted in connection with the incident.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Gutierrez-Reed repeatedly violated safety protocols, leading to Hutchins' death.

However, her defense contended that she had been unfairly scapegoated for broader safety failures within the production team.

Despite not testifying, Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter on March 6, although she was acquitted of evidence tampering.

Sentencing and Legal Proceedings

Prosecutors advocated for the maximum prison sentence, citing Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's failure to acknowledge responsibility for her actions.

Conversely, her defense sought probation, emphasizing her lack of criminal history and positive contributions, CNN noted.

Gutierrez-Reed has been in custody since her conviction, with plans for an appeal underway.

Alec Baldwin, also implicated in the incident, faces an involuntary manslaughter charge and is slated for trial in July.

He maintains his innocence, contending that he did not pull the trigger.

Legal proceedings are ongoing, including motions to dismiss Baldwin's indictment.

Prosecution's Argument and Judge's Ruling

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors highlighted calls made by Gutierrez-Reed from jail, wherein she disparaged the jurors and made unfounded allegations against the judge.

Judge Marlowe Sommer referenced these calls as evidence of a lack of remorse, stating that Gutierrez-Reed's actions turned a safe weapon into a lethal one, leading to Hutchins' death.

Despite Rust armorer Gutierrez-Reed's plea for leniency, citing her youth and dedication to her job, the judge deemed the full sentence necessary, according to the New York Times.

Gutierrez-Reed's defense team plans to appeal her conviction, asserting that she has experienced significant emotional distress and public scrutiny since the incident.

They argue that she was overwhelmed by the demands of the production and unfairly targeted for blame.

Additionally, prosecutors detailed conversations where Gutierrez-Reed minimized safety protocols, further reinforcing their position.

The sentencing of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed marks a significant development in the aftermath of the tragic Rust shooting on the set.

As legal proceedings continue, the case underscores the importance of safety protocols in the film industry and raises questions about accountability and responsibility.

With the trial of Alec Baldwin pending, ongoing scrutiny and debate surrounding the incident remain prevalent.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed sentenced to 18 months in prison - From ABC News