Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Requests New Trial in Halyna Hutchins' Death
Background of the Case
Rust film armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March for the 2021 on-set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The incident occurred while filming the Western movie "Rust" at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Gutierrez-Reed was responsible for handling firearms on set.
She has since filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that the prosecution "failed to meet its burden of proof" and that the jury's verdict was "not supported by the evidence."
Gutierrez-Reed's Arguments
In her motion, Gutierrez-Reed claims that the prosecution failed to prove that she acted with "willful or reckless disregard" for human life, an essential element of the involuntary manslaughter charge.
She also argues that the court did not allow her to present evidence that others on set, including actor Alec Baldwin, were responsible for the shooting.
Possible Outcomes
The judge has not yet ruled on Gutierrez-Reed's motion. If the motion is denied, she could face up to 18 months in prison.
If a new trial is granted, the case could be reheard before a different jury. The outcome of a new trial is uncertain, but it could result in a different verdict.
Impact on the Film Industry
The Rust shooting has raised concerns about safety protocols on film sets. The incident has led to calls for stricter regulations and increased training for those handling firearms on set.
The outcome of Gutierrez-Reed's trial and any subsequent appeals will likely impact how the film industry approaches firearm safety in the future.
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