Hannah Gutierrez Reed, convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting on the set of 'Rust,' is requesting immediate release as her team prepares to seek a new trial.
Santa Fe, New Mexico - Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer on the set of "Rust" where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot, is requesting immediate release from prison as her legal team prepares to file a motion for a new trial.
Gutierrez Reed's lawyer, Jason Bowles, has accused the prosecution of withholding "bombshell exculpatory evidence," which would have led to a "fundamentally different trial and likely a different outcome."
Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Seeks Release from Prison
According to court documents filed on June 27 and obtained by Fox News Digital, the withheld evidence includes a report that found "unexplained toolmarks on critical surfaces of the trigger and sear" of the Pietta 45 Colt revolver replica used on the Western film set.
Bowles claims that the marks were not the result of damage during FBI impact testing and do not appear to be original manufacturing or use and abuse toolmarks. The report suggests a potential firearm malfunction, which Gutierrez Reed's defense would have bolstered.
Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Seeks Release from Prison
Additionally, Bowles accuses the prosecution of failing to disclose the report and allowing an expert witness to commit perjury during cross-examination. The undisclosed evidence could have significantly strengthened Gutierrez Reed's defense, which centered on the theory that the shooting was a tragic accident caused by an unforeseeable event.
Gutierrez Reed's conviction in March resulted in an 18-month prison sentence. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer found her actions as an armorer constituted "a serious, violent offense."
Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Seeks Release from Prison
The prosecution during Gutierrez Reed's trial focused on her alleged negligence and failure to properly handle firearms on the set. Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey argued that Gutierrez Reed was aware of Alec Baldwin's reckless behavior and failed to take appropriate action.
Gutierrez Reed's legal team countered that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence to prove involuntary manslaughter and that the shooting was an accident.
Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Seeks Release from Prison
The prosecution's case relied heavily on expert testimony, including weapons experts, FBI and Santa Fe County authorities, and crew members who witnessed the fatal shooting.
Gutierrez Reed's trial began with jury selection on February 21 and concluded with her conviction in March. Her sentencing followed on April 13.
Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Seeks Release from Prison
Alec Baldwin, who was holding the gun when it discharged, still faces his own involuntary manslaughter charge in the fatal shooting. His trial is scheduled to begin in October.
The 'Rust' shooting has sparked a national debate about safety protocols on film sets and has led to increased scrutiny of the role of armorers in ensuring the safe use of firearms.
Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Seeks Release from Prison
