Attorneys for 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed have requested probation as her sentence for her involvement in the accidental death of the film's cinematographer. Gutierrez Reed faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter for negligently loading a live bullet into Alec Baldwin's gun, with a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison. Her defense argues that she has already faced significant negative publicity and that her life has been irreversibly impacted by the case.
The defense also highlights Gutierrez Reed's desire to express her deep sadness to the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, but legal proceedings have hindered her from doing so. The defense lawyers emphasized the tragic consequences of the events on the day of the shooting, which resulted in profound changes for many individuals, including Gutierrez Reed.
Gutierrez Reed, 26, was found guilty after a trial where prosecutors presented evidence of her lapses in gun safety on set, such as leaving guns unattended and failing to address actors mishandling firearms. The prosecution also demonstrated that Gutierrez Reed inadvertently brought live bullets to the set, mixed among dummy rounds, leading to the fatal error.
Following the shooting, Gutierrez Reed expressed concerns about the impact on her career, according to lead prosecutor Kari Morrissey. Friends of Gutierrez Reed testified to her character and deep remorse in letters to the judge. One friend, Donna Kay Cotten, shared Gutierrez Reed's regret for her role in the tragedy and her refusal to accept a plea deal that required her to admit to bringing the live rounds to the set.
Despite being acquitted of tampering with evidence, which could have extended her sentence, Gutierrez Reed has been in custody since the guilty verdict. The defense intends to appeal the conviction as they continue to advocate for a probationary sentence for Gutierrez Reed.
