SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer convicted in the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western film "Rust," was released from the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Grants on Friday. She completed an 18-month prison sentence for her role in the incident.
Gutierrez-Reed has returned to her home in Bullhead City, Arizona, and is currently on parole due to her involuntary manslaughter conviction. In addition to this conviction, she is under supervision as part of the terms of her probation after pleading guilty to unlawfully carrying a firearm into a licensed liquor establishment.
The tragic event occurred during a rehearsal outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, when Baldwin was pointing a gun at Hutchins, and the revolver discharged, resulting in Hutchins’ death and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin, who is also a coproducer of "Rust," faced an involuntary manslaughter charge in connection with the shooting. However, this charge was dismissed at trial the previous year, partly due to allegations that police and prosecutors withheld critical evidence from the defense.
In March 2024, a jury convicted Gutierrez-Reed of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors argued that she was responsible for unintentionally bringing live ammunition onto the set and failing to adhere to essential gun safety protocols. The jury did acquit her on charges relating to tampering with evidence during the investigation into the incident.
Prior to the filming of "Rust," Gutierrez-Reed was involved in an incident where she brought a firearm into a downtown Santa Fe bar, an area where firearms are prohibited. This action raised further concerns about her judgment and adherence to safety measures regarding firearms on set.
As part of her parole, Gutierrez-Reed is required to undergo mental health assessments and is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Despite her conviction and the legal ramifications involved, she has pending appeals in a higher court regarding her involuntary manslaughter conviction.
The production of "Rust," despite the tragic events, was completed in Montana, and the film has recently been released in theaters this month. The release marks a significant step in the film's production and response to the incident that marred its history.
