The ongoing investigation surrounding the tragic incident on the set of the film “Rust” has taken an interesting turn. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering in relation to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, was reportedly offered a favorable outcome if she disclosed the source of the live rounds that ended up on set.
However, this offer came with a warning: if Gutierrez Reed refused to cooperate, she would face additional charges. The trial is set to begin next month in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and she could potentially be sentenced to up to three years in prison if found guilty.
The incident occurred in October 2021 when Hutchins was fatally shot while preparing to film a scene with actor Alec Baldwin. Gutierrez Reed had loaded the gun, which was supposed to contain only dummy rounds. Several other live rounds were also discovered during the investigation, raising questions about how they ended up on set.
The special prosecutor assigned to the case, Kari Morrissey, believes that Gutierrez Reed has more information about the source of the live rounds than she has revealed so far. In an email to Gutierrez Reed’s defense lawyer, Morrissey expressed her belief that if Gutierrez Reed were to provide answers to these lingering questions, it could lead to a more favorable resolution for her.
However, Morrissey also made it clear that there would be consequences if Gutierrez Reed chose not to cooperate. She hinted at the possibility of pursuing additional felony charges against her. Gutierrez Reed’s lawyer, Jason Bowles, interpreted this as a threat – either falsely confess to bringing the live rounds on set or face more serious charges.
In response, Bowles invoked his client’s right against self-incrimination. Nevertheless, Gutierrez Reed was later indicted on a charge of carrying a firearm in a liquor establishment, a completely unrelated charge that Bowles believes was filed vindictively in retaliation for her decision to remain silent.
Bowles is now seeking to have this charge dismissed on several grounds, highlighting the prosecutor’s motives and the limited scope of her authority. He has also argued that the evidence underlying the new charge was obtained through an improper search of Gutierrez Reed’s phone.
As the trial approaches, tensions rise, and legal arguments are made, it remains to be seen how this case will unfold. The film industry continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic incident, and the search for answers regarding the source of the live rounds continues.
For more information on this ongoing case, visit F5 Magazine.
Source link: Variety