Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer for the film “Rust,” has requested her release from prison, citing “bombshell exculpatory evidence” that could have impacted her involuntary manslaughter trial. Her attorneys filed a motion on June 27, claiming that prosecutors concealed critical evidence that could have favored her defense. This motion coincides with an imminent ruling by a New Mexico judge, expected on June 28, on whether to dismiss a manslaughter charge against actor Alec Baldwin related to the on-set shooting during the filming of “Rust.
” Ms. Gutierrez Reed’s attorney, Jason Bowles, argued that state prosecutors possessed a report from their weapons experts indicating that the gun used on the “Rust” set had “unexplained tool marks” on critical surfaces of the trigger and sear. This suggests the gun could have accidentally fired, potentially affecting the outcome of the case, the lawyer said.
In 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by a prop gun handled by Mr. Baldwin during the film’s production. Ms.
Gutierrez Reed, who was responsible for firearm safety and storage on set, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year and sentenced to 18 months in prison, the maximum penalty. Prosecutors contend that Ms. Gutierrez Reed repeatedly violated safety protocols and acted recklessly, leading to Ms.
Hutchins’s death. However, the newly discovered evidence supports the defense’s claim of an accidental discharge, whic.
