The trial of Hannah Gutierrez Read, the armorer from the set of a movie involving Alec Baldwin, has commenced with the jury now seated. Gutierrez Read faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence in connection to the tragic shooting of cinematographer Helena Hutchins in 2021.
The prosecution alleges that Gutierrez Read's negligent actions as the armorer, responsible for firearm safety, led to the untimely death of Hutchins. They argue that her reckless failure to ensure gun safety resulted in the fatal incident on set.
Gutierrez Read has pleaded not guilty to the charges, including tampering with evidence, where authorities claim she handed off a bag of cocaine after the shooting. Prosecutors have highlighted her alleged impairment on the day of the incident, emphasizing the importance of sobriety for someone in charge of firearm safety.
The trial has garnered significant attention due to its high-profile nature, although Alec Baldwin, who was involved in the shooting, is not a defendant in this particular case. The focus remains on Gutierrez Read's role as the armorer and her alleged negligence.
Jury selection was completed swiftly, with 12 jurors (seven men and five women) and four alternates chosen from a pool of 70 Santa Fe County residents. Despite many being aware of the case prior to the trial, the judge sought individuals capable of rendering an impartial verdict based on the evidence presented.
Opening arguments are expected to commence soon, with the judge confident in the impartiality of the selected jury. Meanwhile, Alec Baldwin, who has faced fluctuating charges in connection to the incident, is not expected to testify in Gutierrez Read's trial.
Baldwin's legal proceedings have seen delays as the prosecution cites the need for further witness interviews and scheduling constraints. His defense team is eager to move forward, emphasizing readiness to proceed with the case.
As the trial unfolds, updates on Gutierrez Read's case and Baldwin's legal situation will continue to be monitored closely to provide the latest developments to the public.
