‘Rust’ armorer admits drug use night before Alec Baldwin shot dead cinematographer with gun she had loaded
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: During the trial surrounding the tragic incident on the set of the movie 'Rust,' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 26, admitted to consuming cocaine and weed the night before Alec Baldwin accidentally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021.
Jurors were presented with text messages by New Mexico prosecutors on Friday, February 23, revealing Gutierrez-Reed's acknowledgment of smoking substances to "get high".
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Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's casual drug use raises concerns about set safety
The court saw messages where she communicated her intentions to a friend, stating, "LOL. I don’t need that tonight anyways. I might go smoke in the jacuzzi soon. I’m so pooped," on October 20, 2021, reported Daily Mail.
These revelations, made on the second day of testimony, raise concerns about Gutierrez-Reed's potential impairment during the fatal incident.
Prosecutors allege her use of marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol after filming sessions might have played a role in her lapse in judgment on October 21, 2021. On that fateful day, Gutierrez-Reed mistakenly loaded a live round into a gun during Baldwin's rehearsal, leading to the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna.
The trial is marked by a dispute between the defense, claiming Gutierrez-Reed is unfairly targeted, and the prosecution, asserting her responsibility in the safety lapses.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed faces evidence tampering allegations
Notably, Gutierrez-Reed faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, with legal experts suggesting that her potential impairment on set could lead to a conviction carrying up to 18 months.
Additionally, she is charged with evidence tampering for allegedly handing a bag of cocaine to a crew member after the shooting to prevent police detection.
As the trial continues, both the prosecution and defense aim to portray the chaotic circumstances on the low-budget movie set, where two accidental firearm discharges prompted a camera crew walk-off.
While defense lawyers attribute Hutchins' death to Baldwin's reckless handling of the gun, prosecutors argue that Gutierrez-Reed's failure to identify live bullets contributed to the tragedy.
Prosecution's focus on live ammunition spread on set
The trial also shed light on the shop owned by Seth Kenney, accused of supplying ammunition to the 'Rust' set.
Images presented by Gutierrez-Reed's lawyers depict a seemingly disorganized storage space. However, Kenney denies providing live rounds.
The courtroom drama intensifies with text messages revealed, suggesting Gutierrez-Reed's interactions with her stepfather, renowned film armorer Thell Reed. Prosecutors plan to present evidence that live ammunition made its way onto the set, emphasizing how it spread and ended up in actors' costumes.
The trial features gripping details, including the showing of police body camera videos depicting the chaotic aftermath of the shooting.
Prosecutors argue that Gutierrez-Reed missed crucial safety checks, contributing to Hutchins' death. The defense, however, points to broader safety issues beyond the armorer's control.
As Gutierrez-Reed's trial unfolds, the courtroom remains divided over accountability, with Baldwin's trial pending.
