A judge in New Mexico has rejected Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s request for a new trial and release. The judge has decided that Gutierrez-Reed’s sentencing, scheduled for April 15th, will proceed as planned.
On Friday, Gutierrez-Reed made her plea before District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer through a teleconference from the county jail, where she is currently being held. She hopes that her plea will lead to a new trial.
Gutierrez-Reed has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in relation to the tragic shooting on the “Rust” set in 2021, resulting in the untimely death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Gutierrez-Reed, wearing a beige jumpsuit, maintained a serious expression as her attorney, Jason Bowles, presented the argument to the judge that there had been an error in the jury instructions, necessitating a fresh trial.
The prosecutor in New Mexico expressed disagreement and criticized Mr. Bowles for submitting a motion for a new trial that was vague and brief.
In the end, Judge Sommer sided with the state and rejected Gutierrez-Reed’s urgent request for a fresh trial.
Later on, when Mr. Bowles made a request to the judge, asking for Gutierrez-Reed’s release so that she could take care of her father who was unwell, Judge Sommer rejected the motion.
Judge Sommer emphasized that it is important to remember that the jury has determined her responsibility for a death, hence she will not be released.
Gutierrez-Reed is scheduled to return to court next month for her sentencing, where she could potentially face a maximum prison term of 18 months.
Nearly two and a half years ago, Gutierrez-Reed found himself on the set of the film Rust, fulfilling the role of weapons supervisor. Unfortunately, the filming process took a heartbreaking turn, leading to a tragic loss.
Alec Baldwin, the lead actor in the Western film, accidentally discharged a Colt 45 replica from his holster during a practice session for a scene. Tragically, the bullet hit cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in the chest, resulting in her untimely death. Director Joel Souza was also injured, as the bullet struck him in the stomach.
Gutierrez-Reed faced charges of involuntary manslaughter in January 2023 and recently stood trial.
Prosecutors contended that Gutierrez-Reed inadvertently carried live ammunition onto the set and neglected to perform essential gun safety checks and adhere to proper protocol, which ultimately resulted in the tragic shooting incident.
Mr. Bowles centered his argument on Friday around the theory that the jury should have been given the opportunity to unanimously determine whether Gutierrez-Reed was guilty of involuntary manslaughter. He pointed out the significance of the phrase “and / or” in the jury instruction.
The argument arose from a recent case in New Mexico.
However, Judge Sommer disagreed with the application of this ruling to Gutierrez-Reed’s case.
As the brief hearing drew to a close, Gutierrez-Reed’s expression turned one of disappointment. She slumped back in her chair, her disappointment evident as the video conference came to an end.
