Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Jurors Find 'Rust' Movie Set's Armorer Guilty Of Involuntary Manslaughter
This aerial view shows buildings at the Bonanza Creek Ranch film set, near where a crew member was fatally shot during production of the western film "Rust," on Oct. 28, 2021 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
(
Patrick T. Fallon
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
The armorer on the set of the movie Rust was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter Wednesday for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was shot by a live round fired from a handgun held by actor Alec Baldwin.
The set armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was also acquitted of tampering with evidence in the case stemming from the 2021 fatal shooting.
Gutierrez Reed, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, now faces 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Prosecutors sought to show the 26-year-old armorer, who was overseeing guns and ammunition on the Western movie set at the time, acted with “willful disregard” for the safety of others. During the two-week trial, prosecutors alleged Gutierrez-Reed brought live ammunition onto the set while openly ignoring basic industry gun-safety guidelines.
Support for LAist comes from
Gutierrez had acknowledged that she loaded the gun, but insisted she thought they were “dummy” rounds.
Baldwin, the lead actor and a producer of the film, is also facing an involuntary manslaughter charge after being indicted by a grand jury in January. He has pleaded not guilty and denied that he even pulled the trigger. He's expected to appear in court in July.
In a statement to LAist, Hutchins's family said "we are satisfied that the jury, based on the evidence, found Hannah Gutierrez-Reed guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for her part in the taking of Halyna’s life. We look forward to the justice system continuing to make sure that everyone else who is responsible for Halyna's death is required to face the legal consequences for their actions."
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist