Rust Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Seeks New Trial or Case Dismissal

Attorneys representing Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the tragic 2021 shooting on the set of the movie “Rust,” have filed a motion seeking either a new trial or the dismissal of her case. This move comes in the wake of the stunning dismissal of the case against actor Alec Baldwin, who was also involved in the incident. The basis for Gutierrez Reed’s legal team’s motion revolves around allegations of serious prosecutorial misconduct and significant failures in the disclosure of evidence by the state.

The motion, filed in Santa Fe First Judicial District Court, accuses the prosecution of egregious misconduct and highlights multiple instances where critical evidence was allegedly withheld from the defense. Specifically, Gutierrez Reed’s attorneys argue that the handling of evidence in Baldwin’s case, which led to its dismissal, sets a precedent for similar action in their client’s case. They claim that crucial evidence, including potential exculpatory material related to the ammunition used on set, was not properly disclosed or tested for relevance.

The controversy centers on revelations that a box of ammunition, potentially linked to the fatal shooting, was delivered to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office but not included in the evidence presented to Baldwin’s defense team. This omission was pivotal in the judge’s decision to dismiss Baldwin’s case with prejudice, barring any future retrial. Gutierrez Reed’s lawyers argue that such actions undermine the fairness of her trial and violate her due process rights.

Moreover, the motion asserts that the special prosecutor, Kari Morrissey, should be removed from the case due to the alleged misconduct and failures in evidence disclosure. They contend that Morrissey misled the court about the relevance and handling of critical evidence during Baldwin’s proceedings, further compromising the integrity of both trials.

During Gutierrez Reed’s trial, prosecutors argued that she had failed to uphold safety protocols as the film’s armorer, ultimately leading to the accidental death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. In contrast, her defense team claimed that she had been unfairly scapegoated for systemic failures in safety procedures on the film set.

The unfolding legal drama has reignited debates about accountability in the film industry, particularly regarding safety standards and the responsibilities of crew members like armorers. It also underscores broader concerns about the judicial system’s ability to ensure fair trials and uphold justice, especially in high-profile cases with significant public scrutiny.

As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of Gutierrez Reed’s motion for a new trial or case dismissal will likely hinge on whether the court finds merit in the allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and failure to disclose crucial evidence. The implications of these developments extend beyond individual culpability to the broader implications for legal ethics and procedural fairness in high-stakes criminal cases.