Hannah Gutierrez Reed and Alec Baldwin, both facing involuntary manslaughter charges in the 'Rust' shooting death of Halyna Hutchins, are seeking to avoid serving their sentences. Gutierrez Reed has filed a motion for release during her appeal, while Baldwin's team continues to challenge the indictment.
Alec Baldwin has declined to comment on whether he intends to testify in his upcoming involuntary manslaughter trial related to the 'Rust' shooting tragedy. The actor has maintained a low profile since the incident, which claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico film set in 2021.
Meanwhile, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the 'Rust' armorer who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year, has filed a motion requesting her release from prison during the appeal process. Reed's legal team argues that she poses no threat to the community or risk of flight. They contend that serving a majority of her sentence while the appeal is pending would render a successful appeal largely meaningless.
On the other hand, Baldwin's legal team has filed three motions to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter indictment against him. A hearing on the first motion is scheduled for May 17. The trial is set to begin on July 9, and jury selection will take place the same day. The trial is expected to conclude on July 19.
In sentencing Gutierrez Reed, Judge Mary Sommer emphasized that the jury's verdict was based on evidence presented in court. The judge cited the armorer's lack of attention to safety precautions and her failure to properly check the gun before it was handed to Baldwin.
Sommer also criticized Gutierrez Reed's jailhouse calls, in which she allegedly discussed the impact of the case on her modeling career. The judge stated that Gutierrez Reed's actions constituted a serious and violent offense that resulted in the death of an innocent person.
During the sentencing hearing, Gutierrez Reed's attorneys argued that she should receive no jail time due to her lack of a criminal history, positive personal character traits, and young age. They also emphasized that the gun had been modified without her knowledge, suggesting that she should not be held fully responsible for the tragedy.
As Gutierrez Reed awaits a decision on her release request, Baldwin continues to prepare for his own trial. His legal team has been actively filing motions and seeking to dismiss the indictment. The upcoming trial will test the prosecution's case and Baldwin's defense strategy.
Halyna Hutchins' family has expressed concerns about the possibility of Reed's release pending appeal. They believe that her release would send the wrong message and undermine the seriousness of the offense.
The 'Rust' tragedy has had far-reaching consequences, leading to lawsuits, investigations, and a renewed focus on safety protocols in the film industry. The involuntary manslaughter trials of Gutierrez Reed and Baldwin are expected to provide further insights into the events that led to the fatal shooting and the legal implications that follow.
