With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Search Warrant Reveals Theory On How Live Ammunition Got On Set Of 'Rust'
A sign directs people to the road that leads to the Bonanza Creek Ranch where the movie "Rust" was being filmed outside Santa Fe, New Mexico.
(
Sam Wasson
/
Getty Images
)
Ever since Alec Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, one of the biggest questions was why live ammunition was on the film's New Mexico set.
Now, more than a month after the incident, investigators have a theory, and it involves both the movie's armorer — and her father.
New Details From The Affidavit
In the immediate aftermath of Hutchins being fatally shot on Oct. 21, investigators recovered about 500 rounds of ammunition from the “Rust” set. The ammunition gathered as evidence included an unspecified number of live rounds — a violation of Hollywood safety standards.
Support for LAist comes from
Authorities now believe some of those slugs may have come from Seth Kenny, a weapons dealer who supplied firearms and bullets to the movie. In an affidavit released Tuesday, Kenny, whose gun shop is called PDQ Arm & Prop, told investigators someone gave him “reloaded ammunition” from a different movie.
It now appears that someone was Thell Reed, the father of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on “Rust.” The elder Reed — a veteran armorer — told authorities the “reloaded” ammunition may match live rounds found on the set.
Authorities say they now want to search PDQ Arm & Prop.
One other potentially telling detail on the documents released Tuesday: Hannah Gutierrez-Reed said she had a hard time loading one of the rounds in the gun. Live rounds and dummy rounds are different sizes.
From the affidavit:
Affiant asked Hannah when the last time she loaded the gun was, and she advised she loaded the gun with 5 dummy rounds before lunch. Hannah stated there was one round that wouldn't go in so after lunch she took the cleaner, cleaned "it” out, and put another round in, which brought the total to six rounds loaded in the weapon. Hannah described the gun to be a long barrel Colt, 45 caliber.
Read the full affidavit and search warrant:
Support for LAist comes from
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
Best of LAist