The first week of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s criminal trial focused on the eyewitness accounts of the tragic incident on the set of “Rust,” where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot with a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin. The case delved into how a live round of ammunition ended up in the gun Baldwin was handling, resulting in Hutchins’ death and injury to director Joel Souza. Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on set at the time, faces involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering charges, with the trial revealing emotional testimonies and a portrayal of the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
Witnesses took the stand to shed light on the events on set, highlighting the lapses in safety protocols and the lack of proper supervision over the weapons involved in the film production. The film’s first assistant director, Dave Halls, who handed the gun to Baldwin, tearfully recounted the tragic moment when Hutchins expressed she couldn’t feel her legs after being shot. Another witness, the film’s prop master Sarah Zachry, revealed concerns about Gutierrez-Reed’s handling of the weapons and the presence of live ammunition on set, further contributing to the unsettling atmosphere that preceded the fatal incident.
Throughout the trial’s first week, gut-wrenching testimonies and revelations painted a picture of negligence and oversight that culminated in a tragedy that shook the film industry. The emotional impact of the incident was palpable, as those involved expressed regret and accountability for their roles in the events leading up to the fatal shooting. As the trial continues, the focus remains on determining the extent of culpability and accountability in a case that has raised questions about safety standards and practices in the film industry.