'How is it a criminal charge?': Support for Alec Baldwin surges as 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed gets maximum 18-month sentence

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: All eyes are on Alec Baldwin after the primary weapons handler Gutierrez-Reed was handed a maximum sentence by the court.

Legal analyst Miguel Custodio expresses skepticism, suggesting that the decision reflects poorly on the prospects of 'The Edge' star. He recommends that the actor pursue a plea deal, although that may not be the current situation.

"[It] shows the court is taking this fatal shooting seriously and that it's not just for show as his defenders claim," Custodio said.

“A plea deal would be the best strategy for him right now, considering today's sentencing, and the information the prosecution has about the chaos on the set and Baldwin's failure to do anything about it. But I don't see that happening,” he added.

Alec Baldwin won't go for plea deal, reports

Alec Baldwin maintains his innocence, while Gutierrez-Reed's attorneys place blame on him for Hutchins' death.

"[He] may think that he will have an easier time if he believes that his team can convince a jury to see that the only culpable party has already been convicted," Custodio further said.

“That's a risky proposition, given Baldwin's role as a producer actually involves him in all aspects of the production," reports DailyMail. "Potential jurors will clearly know what went on with Gutierrez-Reed and will really scrutinize Baldwin's lack of responsibility for the chaos on the set.”

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed received an 18-month prison sentence on Monday, April 15, for the fatal on-set shooting of the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, in 2021.

Internet reflects on Alec Baldwin shooting at 'Rust' set as the jury prepares for the trial

"Wasn’t his fault. How should he have known? Guns on sets aren’t meant to be real for this very reason," one user said. 

Another online user defended the actor by stating, "Can't really see why it was his fault.was just doing his job wasn't he."

A person opined, "From now on there should be no guns in any movie. Look what happened to Brandon Lee."

"How is it a criminal charge," another user wondered.

A user reflected on the unfortunate event, stating, "Maybe one should rethink low-budget movies where people with little or no experience are placed in responsible positions."

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