Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died while being shot on set, and “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in her death.
Prosecutors stated during the two-week trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that Gutierrez was the one who brought six live rounds onto the set and failed to follow industry-standard safety procedures, which resulted in his discovery of the ammunition 12 days before the fatal shot.
“This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake, and that one mistake was accidental — putting a live round into that gun,” prosecutor Kari Morrissey told jurors. “This case is about constant, neverending, safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.”
Additionally, according to evidence provided by the prosecution, Gutierrez-Reed traveled from her California home to the New Mexico film location with a box of live bullets. They said that as the set progressed, these live rounds gradually dispersed.
Gutierrez was found not guilty of a second charge — tampering with evidence.
Bowles requested in court on Wednesday that Gutierrez-Reed be let to stay out of jail while her sentence is being determined. He cited Gutierrez-Reed’s voluntary attendance at all hearings and court appearances.
Refusing, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ordered her to be detained.
Sommer stated, “You are now convicted, and this is a death, which is why I’m going to remand you.” “It may be criminal negligence, but a death nonetheless.”
Before the court adjourned, a sentencing date was not established; Bowles stated he could have the sentence in April.
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