‘Halyna Hutchins’ Friends Speak at ‘Rust’ Armorer’s Sentencing
TL/DR –
The sentencing hearing for Hannah Gutierrez, the “Rust” armorer convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, is underway in New Mexico. Hutchins’ friends and colleagues have spoken in court, with one saying Gutierrez’s proper execution of her job could have prevented Hutchins’ death. Gutierrez’s lawyers have requested probation citing her lack of criminal history and youth, while prosecution has called for an 18-month sentence, citing her “extreme recklessness.”
Sentencing Hearing for ‘Rust’ Armorer in New Mexico
The sentencing hearing for Hannah Gutierrez, the armorer for “Rust,” has begun in New Mexico. Gutierrez was previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Her defense requested probation, while prosecutors requested an 18-month sentence labeling her a serious violent offender due to her “extreme recklessness” on the “Rust” set. Gutierrez observed the proceedings in tan jail attire as Hutchins’ friends addressed the court.
Jen White, Hutchins’ friend, said, “Halyna was a force. She was one of my favorite people in the world.” White argued that if Gutierrez had done her job, Hutchins would still be alive. She pleaded with the judge to impose the maximum sentence.
Injured in the same shooting, Joel Souza expressed to the judge that Hutchins “had a talent for life.” Emilia Mendieta, Hutchins’ close friend and film school classmate, blamed “a lot of someones” for not doing their job right.
Mendieta asked, “Why was a live bullet on set? It was her job to check the guns, check the bullets and make sure that the set was safe.” She expressed her desire for change, justice, and for those responsible for Hutchins’ death to face the consequences.
The Santa Fe County jury deliberated for under three hours before reaching a split decision. Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter but acquitted of tampering with evidence. Prosecutors argued that her failure in maintaining firearm safety led to Hutchins’ death while her defense claimed she was a “convenient scapegoat.”
Gutierrez’s attorneys argued for a conditional discharge, placing her on probation without entering an adjudication of guilt. They believed this would be “adequate to punish the offense, but not more serious than necessary to serve the underlying sentencing goals.”
However, prosecutors opposed a conditional discharge due to Gutierrez’s “complete and total failure to accept responsibility for her actions.” They claimed that she has shown no genuine remorse and has continually blamed others for the incident.
In the shooting incident, Alec Baldwin was practicing a cross-draw when the revolver fired a live round, injuring him and killing Hutchins. The prosecution presented evidence alleging that Gutierrez failed to perform industry-standard safety practices, bringing six live rounds onto the set.
Jason Bowles, Gutierrez’s defense attorney, argued that there was a rush to judgment and a lack of thorough investigation following the shooting. He highlighted that the New Mexico Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s investigation found that the management was responsible for the safety on the set.
Alec Baldwin is also facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins’ death. His trial is scheduled to start in July. He filed a motion to dismiss the charge, accusing prosecutors of “unethical disparagement” and “violating nearly every rule in the book” to secure a grand jury indictment.
The judge has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss the charge.
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